CTS Faculty and Staff Participate in ACE Women’s Network of Indiana Annual Conference
Last month, six CTS staff and faculty members attended the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network of Indiana annual conference, themed “Innovate with Purpose. Influence with Integrity. Inspire with Impact.” Held at the NCAA Hall of Champions, the conference brought together nearly 200 women from colleges and universities across the state to connect, learn, and support one another.
June Henderson, Director of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator, attended for the second consecutive year. She noted that the conference provided a meaningful opportunity for CTS staff and faculty to build relationships with peers at other institutions while also increasing visibility for CTS within the broader higher education community.
“The dynamic speakers and thought leaders from across Indiana were engaging and insightful,” Henderson said. “I gained new ideas that will support my continued professional growth and self-development.” CTS is a member institution of the ACE Women’s Network of Indiana, part of a national system of state networks dedicated to advancing and supporting women in higher education.
The future of higher education depends on leaders who can innovate with purpose and lead with integrity,” said President David Mellott. “CTS is honored to stand alongside the ACE Women’s Network of Indiana in advancing and supporting women whose leadership will shape our institutions and communities for generations.”
Each state network is led by a state chair or co-chairs who partner with institutional representatives and presidential sponsors to implement programs that identify, develop, encourage, advance, link, and support (IDEALS) women throughout their higher education careers. CTS’ Dr. Kristin Champa, Vice President for Advancement, serves as Indiana’s State Co-Chair.
The ACE Women’s Network of Indiana is a community, inclusive of all, committed to inspiring, developing, and supporting women leaders who seek to transform higher education. Champa joined the board in 2019 as part of the strategic reimagination and reorganization of the Indiana chapter.
“It has been inspiring to witness the network’s renewal and growth,” Champa said. “Now, as State Co-Chair, I am honored to help guide its continued development — strengthening opportunities for mentorship, leadership formation, and meaningful connection for women across higher education in Indiana.”
Dr. Courtney Buggs, Director of the PhD Program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric and past ACE conference attendee, shared that one of the most significant benefits of attending the annual conference was engaging with leaders from a wide range of institutional contexts.
“It is important to participate in spaces that expand our understanding of education more broadly, and theological education more specifically,” Buggs said. “Seminary and divinity schools represent a distinct category of higher education, and some of my most meaningful learning comes from placing my experiences in conversation with colleagues in non-religious educational settings.”
Buggs added that the conference provided an excellent opportunity to broaden her professional network and build relationships across institutional types and leadership roles.
“This local conference expanded networks beyond theological education,” she said. “The workshop presenters were engaging and inspiring.”
This year’s keynote speaker was Stevie Baker-Watson, Associate Vice President for Campus and Student Wellness and Director of Athletics and Recreational Sports at DePauw University. In her keynote, “Impact Looks Good on You,” she challenged participants to take ownership of their work and leadership presence, and to contribute intentionally to a positive, solutions-focused work environment. Additional breakout sessions included presentations such as Cultures of Care: Women Transforming Higher Education through Service Leadership, Planting Seeds, Growing Change: Women of Color Transforming Higher Ed Spaces, and Collaborative Reflection for Deeper Leadership Practice, among others.
According to Champa, the annual gathering continues to provide an essential space for women in higher education to grow in confidence and community.
“In a moment when higher education faces complexity, uncertainty, and profound change, the ACE Women’s Network of Indiana matters more than ever,” Champa said. “We need spaces that cultivate courage — spaces that encourage candid dialogue, equip women to use their voices with intention, and inspire advocacy for policies and practices that uphold the dignity of every individual on our campuses.”
For more information about the ACE Women’s Network of Indiana, please visit the organization’s website or reach out to CTS’s Institutional Representative, Stephanie Seeger at sseeger@cts.edu.
