Conference Information
General Conference Information
- The 2025 Resilience & Retention Conference brings together educators, administrators, and leaders to explore strategies and best practices for strengthening student persistence and success. With a focus on fostering resilience in students, enhancing support systems, and promoting positive academic environments, this conference offers a platform for collaboration and innovation. Participants will engage in insightful discussions, thought provoking panels, and keynote sessions designed to address the challenges facing today’s students and higher education institutions while equipping attendees with actionable tools to improve retention rates and student well-being. Join us as we work towards creating stronger, more supportive learning communities for all students.
What is the Resilience and Retention Program?
- Honors R&R Advising was piloted in Spring 2023 to provide Honors students with additional, high touch advising for academic and personal goals.
- The R&R Advising program is completed in 3 meetings:
- Meeting 1 takes place at the beginning of the semester where I get to know you and what we would like to improve on throughout the semester. This where we will make your success plan and goals that we want to work towards during the semester.
- The second meeting takes place around midterms. This is a chance for us to evaluate your success plan, talk about your next semester, and check in on your goals.
- The third meeting is optional, but I always like to see all my students at the end of the semester. We again discuss the success plan, what you like and didn’t like about the program, and next steps for the next semester.
- At the end of the day, our hope is that this program will help students feel more secure in the upcoming semester. Whether it is with academics, personal growth, time management, or just getting involved with Honors. This program is adaptable to meet each student where they are at and help them map where it is they want to go.
- Texas Tech Now
Conference Schedule
Click HERE to view the schedule
Travel And Things To Do
Airport
- Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport
- Airport Code: LBB
Hotel Information
- The Overton Hotel
- Address: 2322 Mac Davis Ln, Lubbock, TX 79401
- Phone: (806) 776-7000
- Now accepting reservations:
- Reservation Link
- Or call guest services at (806) 776-7000. Be sure to ask for the Resilience and Retention Conference 2026 Room Block to receive the special rate ($139/night). The deadline for the reservations will be February 4, 2026.
Lubbock Favorites
- With year-round dynamic and diverse events and attractions to choose from, Lubbock
is sure to delight. Explore the celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, check out
the vibrant arts community, savor eclectic food and sample world-famous craft beer.
With a hit-list of uniquely West Texas adventures to choose from, Lubbock makes for
a trip like no other. Find yourself at the intersection of creativity and culture
and make your way to LBK.
- Great Places to Eat in Lubbock:
- Blue Sky Texas: 3216 4th St.; (806) 368-0750
Caprock Cafe: 3405 34th St.; (806) 784-0300
Orlando's Italian Restaurant: 2402 Avenue Q; (806) 747-5998
Triple J Chophouse & Brew Co.: 1807 Buddy Holly Ave.; (806) 771-6555
- Blue Sky Texas: 3216 4th St.; (806) 368-0750
- Great Places to Eat in Lubbock:
Conference Speakers
Cié Gee - Keynote Speaker
- Lead University Life Coach - Texas Tech University
- Dr. Cié Gee is an innovative leader in leadership development, specializing in communication, self‑efficacy, and empathetic leadership. She serves as Associate Vice Provost for Career Engaged Learning, Director of the QEP, and clinical faculty at UTSA. With 18+ years in higher education, she has led strategic and operational initiatives and built executive leadership programs. Cié holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Interpersonal Communication and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, blending grit, curiosity, and dynamic enthusiasm.
Alex Alfaro
- Assistant Director, College Success Coaching - Tyler Junior College (TJC)
- Alex Alfaro serves as the Assistant Director for College Success Coaching at Tyler Junior College (TJC), where he leads initiatives focused on student resilience and long-term academic persistence. As a first-generation college student and an alumnus of TJC, Alex brings a unique "full-circle" perspective to his work, having earned an AA in Fine Arts and an AAS in Child Development/Early Childhood at the institution. He went on to earn a BAAS in Business Occupations from UT Tyler and an MS in Higher Education Administration from East Texas A&M. Today, Alex is dedicated to providing students the holistic support needed for navigating college, empowering the next generation of learners to achieve their academic goals.
Chad Cain
- Assistant Dean - Texas Tech University
- Chad is a Lubbock native who has had the good fortune of serving in multiple university settings, including Indiana University, Baylor University, Occidental College in Los Angeles, Fuller Theological Seminary, and Wayland Baptist University. He is thrilled be a part of the Honors community at Texas Tech. He directs the enrollment management and admissions functions of the College and oversees honors course scheduling. Chad enjoys reading the South Pasadena Outlook (one of his hometown’s newspaper), listening to NPR and a few irreverent podcasts, and running… at a slower pace by the day. He is married to his college sweetheart and is the proud parent of three children (including a Texas Tech alum).
Adrienne Carnes
- Senior Director - Texas Tech University
- Adrienne has dedicated the past 17 years to supporting undergraduate students at the Rawls College of Business. She began her career as an Academic Advisor and now leads the oversight of the undergraduate student experience and curriculum, ensuring that Rawls College students receive guidance and opportunities for success throughout their academic journey.
Brandon Cruz
- Sr. Director, Red Raider Academic Success - Texas Tech University
- Brandon has been with Texas Tech since 2019, working across multiple areas of higher education, including Recruitment, Mentoring and Transition Programs, and First-Generation Student Success. He is a current PhD candidate in Higher Education at Texas Tech and looks forward to becoming a Red Raider alum. Brandon is energized by working within a highly interconnected and evolving university and finds purpose in sharing ideas, informing strategy, and bringing people together to better support student success.
Sarah Damron
- Program Manager - Texas Tech University
- I began my professional journey at Texas Tech University in 2021, bringing full circle my connection to the institution where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2006. I currently oversee multiple initiatives within Student Engagement, a comprehensive network designed to create a defined, supportive, and engaging environment for undergraduate students at Texas Tech University. This work includes leading peer-driven programs such as Mentor Tech, Tech Leadership Institute, First-Generation Initiatives, and Transfer Connection. My professional experience spans a wide range of fields, including all-level secondary education, sales, training, student travel and consulting, academic leadership, ministry, international missions, music, photography, and curricular development. In previous roles at Texas Tech, I had the privilege of serving within Supplemental Instruction and University Coaching as an Academic Life Coach. I will soon complete my Master of Education in Higher Education Administration. Across both my vocational and recreational pursuits, my work has consistently centered on the growth and development of people—particularly students who value the opportunity to learn, grow, and discover more about their own journey while being equipped to support and lead others along the way.
Addyson Davis
- Senior Coordinator of Engagement - Texas Tech University
- Addyson Davis is the Senior Coordinator of Engagement in the Texas Tech Honors College and has been in her position for 2 years. She is an alum from Texas Tech University and the Honors College, with a B.A. in Psychology. In her role, she oversees the “Honors House System”, it’s House Captains, and tracks college-level engagement. Additionally, she manages the outreach for community service opportunities and partnerships within the college.
Britiany Fraire
- Academic Advisor, Retention - Texas Tech University
- Britiany Fraire has over six years of experience supporting students and families through key transition points in the college journey. In her current role within the Whitacre College of Engineering at Texas Tech University, Britiany leads orientation welcome staff, partners in retention efforts for students on academic probation, and helps create early connections that foster trust, belonging, and long-term success. Known for building meaningful relationships grounded in care, respect, and excellent service, Britiany has guided hundreds of students through admissions, recruitment, and advising processes. As a certified professional life coach and a successful first-generation college graduate, Britiany is passionate about empowering students to clarify their goals, access support resources with confidence, and develop the resilience needed to thrive throughout their college experience.
Rachel Hoover
- Director, Student Engagement - Texas Tech University
- Rachel is the Director of Student Engagement at Texas Tech University, bringing over 20 years of experience supporting college students through a variety of academic success programs. From a rural town in West Texas, she is a proud Texas Tech University alumna and a first-generation college graduate, earning the first Master’s degree in her family. Rachel is passionate about fostering a culture of kindness, collaboration, and lifelong learning, and she cherishes her roles as mother, wife, animal lover, and collaborator.
Asher Hornof
- Administrative Assistant - Texas Tech University
- Asher Hornof is the Administrative Assistant in the Texas Tech Honors College and has been in his position for over a year. He recently graduated from Texas Tech University with a B.A. in Creative Media Industries. For the last year, he has been in charge, alongside Addyson Davis, of running semester-based scavenger hunts for students to engage with.
Thomas Kay
- Program Director - Texas Tech University
- Thomas began his journey in higher education as a student assistant in 2016 for Student Success & Retention where he served on the front-line for the university’s centralized undergraduate retention initiatives. He joined as a full-time member in 2019 where he focused on training for student staff, and growing the coaching services offered by full-time staff members. In 2022, he became the Assistant Director and oversaw the changes to academic recovery curriculum and the department’s day to day operations. He has presented numerous times at NACADA, NASPA, CHEC, and acted as a consultant for coaching programs at institutions throughout the nation. He recently accepted a new position in Student Life where he will establish coordinated assessment efforts and prepare annual reports for the division.
LaTricia Phillips
- Director - Texas Tech University
- LaTricia Phillips, Ph.D., is the Director of the TRIO McNair Scholars Program at Texas Tech University, where she oversees initiatives that support first-generation and low-income undergraduates for doctoral studies. Her work centers on research development, mentorship, and graduate school readiness. She is also a McNair Scholar Alumni and is grateful to be in a position to impact and pay it forward for future researchers and PhDs.
Torico Price
- Lead University Life Coach - Texas Tech University
- Torico Price is an educator and Lead University Life Coach in the University Coaching & Student Achievement program at Texas Tech University. He works with students to develop self-awareness, clarify goals, and build practical strategies for academic and personal success through strengths-based coaching, reflection, and intentional growth. Torico has presented his work at NASPA and CHEC conferences on topics related to student success and development. In addition to his work in higher education, he serves on the board of the Lubbock Arts Alliance, supporting arts advocacy and creative engagement in the local community.
Gracie Z. Quintana
- Assistant Director - Texas Tech University
- Gracie Z. Quintana serves as Assistant Director of Advising and Retention in the Edward E. Whitacre College of Engineering at Texas Tech University. A Texas Tech alumna, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and brings 18 years of industry experience to her work in higher education. Over the past six years at Texas Tech, Gracie has focused on student success, retention strategies, and advising practices that support engineering students throughout their academic journey. She is passionate about advocating for underserved students and draws from her own non-traditional academic journey as a first generation student as well as relating her own experiences as a mother of four adult children seeking their own degrees at different institutions.
Ryan Scheckel
- Assistant Director - Texas Tech University
- Ryan has been in academic advising since 2002, working with students from exploratory to declared, first-gen to legacy, and from fine arts to pre-health. He serves in leadership roles at both state and international levels and his professional interests include advising history, theory and philosophy and the intersections between academic advising and higher education’s larger purpose. A graduate of Texas Tech, Ryan’s academic background includes studies in Human Development, Public Administration, Leadership, and Higher Education Administration. He is also a HUGE pop culture nerd!
Kurtis Vanderpool
- Lead University Life Coach - Texas Tech University
- Kurtis Vanderpool is a life coach, LPC-A, and writer who helps young adults find confidence, clarity, and a healthier relationship with themselves. He supports young adults through big transitions, identity questions, and building confidence from the inside out. He lives in Texas with his wife and their Husky, Moose. Learn more about his work at kurtisvanderpool.com
Tomina Ward
- Certified Life Coach
- Tomina Ward is a Certified Life Coach, Success & Resiliency Strategist, and sought-after International Keynote Speaker who empowers students, educators, and leaders to lead with clarity, confidence, and courage under pressure. A highly decorated combat veteran, Tomina retired as a Master Sergeant after more than 20 years in the United States Marine Corps, where she discovered her life's work-developing resilient leaders in the most demanding environments.
Connie Watson
- Program Director - Texas Tech University
- Connie Watson will celebrate her twentieth year at Texas Tech University this Fall. While at Tech, her work has been focused on supporting students and families through advising, teaching, and program leadership. She is an AHEPPP member serving as the 2026 Awards Committee Chair. She is a Raider-Ready instructor, a first-year HSI Fellow, and has previously presented at NACADA and AHEPPP National Conferences. She is currently completing her dissertation in Higher Education, with research focused on parent role transitions and family engagement.
Honors College
-
Address
McClellan Hall, Box 41017 Lubbock, TX 79409-1017 -
Phone
806.742.1828 -
Email
honors@ttu.edu