2026 Transfer Pathways Summit

A woman at a table having a discussion with four other adults. They are in Alumni Hall at last year's transfer pathways summit

Friday, June 5, 2026
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET

Alumni Hall
4227 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Register here

Join us for the third-annual Transfer Pathways Summit at the School of Education

Our 2026 theme is “Maximizing Transfer Value: Fueling Student Mobility and Success.”

We’re bringing together higher education professionals, researchers, and students from across Pennsylvania and neighboring states to focus on what matters—building smoother, smarter, more student‑centered transfer pathways.

Hosted by the Pitt School of Education, the Office of the Provost, and the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, this event is your chance to learn, connect, and take action that directly improves the transfer experience at your institution.

A man smiling as he holds a microphone in front of a blurred out audience behind him

Why Attend?

Gain actionable insights through:

  • Keynote speaker who is one of the world’s preeminent experts
  • Panel discussion of community college presidents and leaders
  • Breakout sessions on key trends and issues
  • Student panel discussion about transfer experiences
  • Complimentary breakfast and lunch
  • Networking hour with colleagues over mocktails

 

JUMP TO SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

 

 

What Will You Learn?


(1.) Build More Transfer‑Friendly Practices
Discover strategies that make the transfer process clearer, faster, and less stressful for students moving into four‑year institutions.

(2.) Join Real Conversations That Move the Needle
Engage with colleagues in lively discussions on the latest trends, what’s working, and what still needs to change in the transfer landscape.

(3.) Understand What Transfer Students Actually Face
Hear firsthand about the challenges community college students encounter—from navigating credit evaluations to finding a sense of belonging.

(4.) Walk Away With Actionable Ideas
Gain practical insights from inspiring keynote speakers and walk back to campus with concrete steps you can implement right away.

Who Will Be There?

All are welcome:

  • Community college leaders and practitioners
  • Community college students
  • College faculty focused on study of higher education systems
  • Academic advisors
  • Admissions staff
  • Graduate students
  • And more

 

view past attendees

Therese Grimes speaking at the podium
A girl smiling at a table during the Transfer Pathways summit
A group posing together for a picture, a mix of men and women, at the Transfer Pathways Summit
A wide angle shot showing the entire ballroom with a packed house
A man and woman posing for a picture together at the Transfer Pathways Summit
A man and woman working together to give a presentation at the Transfer Pathways SUmmit
A man holding a microphone speaking at the Transfer Pathways Summit
People getting food at the buffet table at the Transfer Pathways Summit

Schedule at a Glance

Friday, June 5, 2026
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET
Alumni Hall [view map]

TIME ACTIVITY LOCATION
8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast & Check-In Connolly Ballroom
8:45 – 9:00 a.m. Welcome Remarks
Provost Joe McCarthy
Dean Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher		 Connolly Ballroom
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Transfer Student Panel
Dr. Shallegra Moye		 Connolly Ballroom
10:00 -10:15 a.m. Coffee Break Connolly Ballroom
10:15 – 11:45 a.m. Keynote Speaker
Dr. Xueli Wang		 Connolly Ballroom
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Lunch and Presidential Conversation
Dr. Nicholas Neupauer
Dr. Christopher Reber
Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez		 Connolly Ballroom
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Various Presenters		 To Be Announced
2:15 – 2:45 p.m. Closing Remarks
Dean Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher		 Connolly Ballroom
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Networking and Mocktail Hour
Sponsored by EdVisorly		 Connolly Ballroom

 

Register here

Transfer Student Panel Session

🕙 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Alumni Hall Connolly Ballroom

The Transfer Student Voices Panel amplifies the voices of students who have transferred to Pitt from community colleges and other 4-year institutions. The Panel will illuminate the transfer experience through the lens of students, shedding light on their journey and discussing effective strategies to support transfers as they navigate and acclimate to a new campus environment.

Moderator

Headshot of Shallegra Moye

Dr. Shallegra Moye
Director of Educational Enrichment and Transition Programs
University of Pittsburgh School of Education
Faculty Affiliate, Africana Studies
Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences

Student Panelists

KC Okoye headshot

KC Okoye is a Nigerian American transfer student at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Economics. He started his college journey at CCAC, where he earned an associate’s degree in business before transferring to Pitt. Coming from a transfer background has taught KC a lot about adapting to new environments, stepping outside of his comfort zone, and creating opportunities for himself. Outside of school, KC is a leasing agent and enjoys gaining hands-on experience in business, real estate, and finance. A lot of what motivates KC comes from wanting to build a successful future not just for himself, but for the people around him, while showing that there’s no single “right” path to success.

Paige Lewis headshot

Paige Lewis is a recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology and a minor in Applied Statistics. Paige Lewis transferred to Pitt in the fall of 2023 from Kent State University in Ohio and is on track to begin the Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Throughout her time at Pitt, Paige has worked in several areas of adolescent development including non-profits, after-school programs, and development centers. Currently, Paige is a Registered Behavioral Technician, working with neurodivergent children to prepare them for kindergarten. As a transfer student at Pitt, Paige was Social Chair Officer of the Heinz Chapel Choir, served as the President and Vice President of the Applied Developmental Psychology Club, and also served as a member of the search committee for the new Executive Director of the Office of Child Development within the School of education.

Keynote Speaker

🕙 10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Alumni Hall Connolly Ballroom

Xueli Wang standing in a hallway

“How Students Experience Us: Designing Transfer Systems for Clarity, Connection, and Possibility”

Dr. Xueli Wang, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Barbara and Glenn Thompson Professor in Educational Leadership
Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis

Grounded in research with and for transfer students, this keynote asks: What if transfer is not simply a pathway students navigate, but an institutional experience we collectively design, and one that works? It offers research-informed strategies to strengthen coherence, connection, and opportunity across the broader ecosystem supporting transfer students.

VIEW SPEAKER BIO

Lunch and Presidential Conversation

🕙 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Alumni Hall Connolly Ballroom

Leading the Future of Community Colleges: A Presidential Conversation

Established in 1901, Joliet Junior College in Illinois is recognized as our country’s first community college. Over the next 125 years, community colleges have been identified in various ways: an extension of high schools, the freshman and sophomore collegiate experience, training sites, technical education, open access institutions, and more. In 2026, higher education is a complicated space. And so is the understanding of the skills and backgrounds needed to work in one of our country’s 1,024 community colleges.

The purpose of this lunch session is to hear from two of our own! Dr. Christopher Reber, President of Hudson County Community College in New Jersey, and Dr. Victoria Bastecki-Perez, President of Montgomery County Community College in Pennsylvania, are proud University of Pittsburgh School of Education alumni. Both will share how the community college sector has evolved over time, especially post-Covid. They will also discuss the skills and competencies desired for those wishing to make a career in this exciting and agile higher education space.

Moderator

Nicolas Neupauer headshot

Dr. Nicholas Neupauer
Assistant Professor of Practice
University of Pittsburgh
School of Education

Panelist

Headshot of Christopher Reber wearing a suit

Dr. Christopher Reber
(PhD ’87)
President
Hudson County Community College
Jersey City, New Jersey

Panelist

VIcki Bastecki-Perez's headshot

Dr. Victoria Bastecki-Perez
(MEd ’90, EdD ’95)
President
Montgomery County Community College
Blue Bell, Pennsylvania

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

🕙 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Locations TBD

Select the session that interests you the most.

This presentation explores strategies to improve transfer student outcomes by aligning academic pathways, support services, and institutional goals. It also highlights how intentional partnerships with colleges can create stronger pipelines and increase transfer enrollment.

Location: TBD

Presenters: 

Clyde Wilson Pickett

Clyde Wilson Pickett, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Engagement and Wellbeing, University of Pittsburgh

Carl Lawson photo

Carl Lawson, Associate Vice Chancellor – Health Sciences Engagement & Enrichment, University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences

Transfer students bring valuable experiences, diverse perspectives, and proven academic readiness to Pitt. Drawing on student success stories and data-driven insights across our community college partnerships, this presentation explores how to build on our transfer students’ existing strengths while creating pathways that accelerate their success and deepen their engagement. We’ll showcase effective practices already working at Pitt, from the Transfer Network to innovative academic partnerships, and identify opportunities to expand what’s succeeding. When we invest in transfer student success, everyone benefits—these students graduate, contribute meaningfully to campus life, and become engaged alumni.

Location: TBD

Presenters

Larissa Ciuca

Larissa Ciuca, Associate Director, University Undergraduate Advising, University of Pittsburgh Office of the Provost

Kaitlyn Roberts

Kaitlyn Roberts, Associate University Registrar, University of Pittsburgh Office of the Provost

Social Hour Sponsor

🕙 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Alumni Hall Connolly Ballroom

EdVisorly logo

Frequently Asked Questions

The Transfer Pathways Summit is free to all participants. Advance registration is requested to help with planning purposes.

Paid parking is available at the University’s Solider & Sailors Garage at 4390 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh PA, 15213.  The garage is located a block away from the venue.

Additional paid parking is available on metered spaces on Fifth Avenue and the surrounding streets.

Three hotels are located within walking distance to the venue:

Are you a community college professional traveling from out of town? 

Learn how you can receive free lodging. 

The Transfer Pathway Summit will provide the following food options:

  • Complimentary continental breakfast
  • Catered lunch
  • Coffee, tea, and water throughout the day

The Transfer Pathways Summit was created by Dr. Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher, Professor and Renée and Richard Goldman Dean of the Pitt School of Education. It  is a partnership among the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education, Office of the Provost, and Pitt Admissions.

Visitors to the University of Pittsburgh participating in the summit have two options for guest Wi-Fi access:

  • Eduroam Guest Wi-Fi is the best option for visitors from UPMC and other Eduroam-affiliated institutions. No time limits or additional device configuration required.
  • Pitt Guest Wi-Fi (Anyroam) provides access for alumni, parents, and others who do not have an Eduroam affiliation for up to one year. One-time device configuration is required after you arrive on campus.

COMPARE GUEST WI-FI OPTIONS

Nearly 200 people registered for the 2025 Transfer Pathways Summit.   Participants included:

  • Representatives from 14 community colleges in Pennsylvania and West Virginia
  • Members of Pitt’s admissions office, Office of the Provost, and academic schools across the university
  • College presidents, deans, admissions officers, academic advisors, and student service officers

About the Venue

Alumni Hall building exterior showcasing its sandstone architecture

Located in heart of Pitt’s campus, Alumni Hall is home to the Pitt Alumni Association, the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, and other offices/facilities.

Our event will be held in the 500-seat Connolly Ballroom on the first floor.

DIRECTIONS
4227 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
View Map

PARKING
Paid parking is available nearby in the Soldiers & Sailors garage, located two blocks away from Alumni Hall.  The address is 4390 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Additionally, on-street parking is available on Fifth Avenue and the surrounding streets.

Exterior of Hilton Garden inn building on Pitt's campus

Traveling from Out of Town?

Complimentary hotel accommodations for Thursday, June 4, 2026 are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place
3454 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

To Qualify:

  • Travel distance must be at least 50 miles
  • Must be affiliated with a community college

How It Works:

  • Select the checkbox on the summit registration form in the area titled “Optional Hotel Accommodations”
  • We will send you the lodging reservation link after you register for the summit
  • You’ll reserve the hotel with your credit card but will not pay the charges

Claim your complimentary lodging

Feedback from Past Transfer Summit Attendees

97%

Say the summit is well-organized

93%

Are likely to attend again in the future

92%

Are likely to recommend to a colleague/friend

icon of the cathedral of learning
"I felt the speakers were great, and enjoyable to listen to. I also enjoyed the participation from community colleges around the state, and liked to see not just the leadership, but the advisors and recruitment specialists there."
2025 Participant
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"The summit was a great experience with the opportunity to hear from experts in the field and to add to our resource toolkits."
2025 Participant
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"I learned more about the transfer process and how well students should be prepared to transfer (academically, socially, and environmentally.)"
2025 Participant
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"I enjoyed the strength-based focus, and the clear messaging surrounding the onus of doing better being on the universities, not the students. The student panel was AMAZING!"
2025 Participant

Past Attendees

Community Colleges

  • Butler County Community College
  • Delaware County Community College
  • Community College of Allegheny County
  • Community College of Beaver County
  • Community College of Philadelphia
  • Erie County Community College
  • Harrisburg Area Community College
  • Lehigh Carbon Community College
  • Montgomery County Community College
  • Northern Pennsylvania Regional College
  • Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
  • Westmoreland County Community College
  • West Virginia Northern Community College

Pitt Schools and Departments

  • School of Education
  • School of Business
  • School of Engineering
  • School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
  • School of Public and International Affairs
  • College of General Studies
  • School of Pharmacy
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Computing and Information
  • School of Social Work
  • Frederick Honors College
  • Pitt Greensburg
  • Office of Child Development
  • Center for Urban Education
  • Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
  • Office of the Provost
  • Educational Outreach Center
  • College in High School

Have A Question?

We’d love to hear from you. Send us an email and we’ll be back in touch shortly.

Register Here

There is no cost and all are welcome

 

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