Come learn and network with your colleagues at the 2025 Spring Conference!
April 2-4, 2025
Fairfield Bay Conference Center
Deadline for registration: March 14th
Deadline for lodging reservation: March 12th
Download Printable Conference Packet (PDF)
Go Directly to the Online Registration Form
Come and join us at Fairfield Bay on beautiful Greers Ferry Lake for the 2025 Ark AHEAD Spring Conference.
Two Fabulous Keynote Presentations!
How Exactly Does the Arc Bend? Generational Changes in Understanding Attitudes and Policies Around Ableism and Disability Issues
Presenter: Dr. Mark Taylor
Thursday, April 3rd
8:30 to 10:00 AM
Description: While understandings of generational characteristics and dynamics have applications across the workplace, and in teaching and learning, they can also offer a framework for understanding cultural attitudes and social policies impacting ableism and disability. This session will address the most current generational issues and dynamics, through our professional prism, with recommendations for being an effective leader, and in developing the most productive and positive working environment for our clients, our colleagues and ourselves.
About Dr. Taylor: Dr. Mark Taylor is an award winning speaker recognized internationally as an authority and educator who is on the forefront of transformations in educational practice and workplace management. Currently the President of Taylor Programs, he is dedicated to helping colleges and universities better understand and serve our students for learning, development, persistence and successful integration into the workplace.
His work with organizations and companies focuses on helping people understand and work more effectively with the generational groups, and in bringing happiness and positivity into the workplace.
Building on experience as a psychotherapist, professor, and in academic and student services administration, Dr. Taylor has worked with over 1000 organizations, businesses and schools in 48 states, and made presentations at numerous state, regional, national, and international events. His publications include book chapters, invited pieces, and articles in professional journals including his series on “Teaching Generation NeXt”.
Dr. Taylor holds graduate degrees from the University of Arkansas and academic appointments at Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Graduate School.
For more information, visit taylorprograms.com.
1 in 20: Addressing the Mental Health Crisis on Campus While Trying to Maintain Your Own
Presenter: Dr. Rikki Turner
Thursday, April 3rd
1:00 to 2:00 PM
Description: Did you know that 1 in 20 college students are currently considering suicide? This leaves a huge burden on faculty and staff to address this while also managing their day to day responsibilities and the complexities of their own lives. It is exhausting! Plus, what are you supposed to do if you are concerned about a student? Do they expect YOU to do anything about it? The answer is yes and I can show you how. No matter the obstacles you face, whether internal or external, I will show you how to intervene for others and how to receive help when you need it.
About Dr. Turner: Dr. Rikki Turner is a passionate advocate for mental health, suicide prevention, and kind leadership. A dynamic keynote speaker, she blends humor, poignant storytelling, and interactive engagement to spark meaningful conversations about mental health in education and the workplace.
With a doctorate in Higher Education Administration and extensive research on faculty willingness to intervene with suicidal students, Dr. Turner brings a unique perspective on the role educators and professionals play in fostering supportive environments. Her engaging and relatable approach has resonated with audiences across universities, professional organizations, and businesses nationwide.
As the creator of the EASE framework for suicide intervention, host of the Suicide Prevention Lady Podcast, and a recognized voice in the field, Dr. Turner equips audiences with practical strategies to navigate difficult conversations with confidence and compassion. Her work has been featured in keynote addresses, workshops, and media interviews, reinforcing her mission: kindness saves lives.
When she’s not on stage, she works as a postdoctoral fellow, continues research in mental health and stigma reduction, and cheers on her teenage son at lacrosse games.
For more information, visit www.stillyourise.com.
Registration Information
There are 2 options for registration. If you cannot attend the full conference, consider the 1 day session!
Full Conference Registration
Wednesday, April 2nd at 1:00 PM through Friday, April 4th at noon
(Includes dinner on Wednesday and Thursday, lunch on Thursday, and break snacks)
- Current Ark AHEAD Members: $275
- Non-Members: $325
- Students: $200
Thursday Only Registration
Thursday, April 3rd 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
(Includes lunch and break snacks)
- Current Ark AHEAD Members: $150
- Non-Members: $175
- Students: $100
Register at arkahead.org/2025-spring-conference. Indicate any conference access accommodations and dietary restrictions.
Schedule at a Glance (Tentative)
Wednesday, April 2nd
| Start Time | End Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 AM | 1:00 PM | Registration |
| 1:00 PM | 1:15 PM | Welcome and Introductions |
| 1:15 PM | 2:15 PM | Session 1: Past, Present, and Future of Accommodation Services (Dr. Zachary Singleton) |
| 2:15 PM | 3:15 PM | Session 2: The ESA Application Journey (Tori Shann and Blake Walker) |
| 3:15 PM | 3:30 PM | Break |
| 3:30 PM | 5:00 PM | Session 3: Accommodate This: A Jeopardy Style Exploration of Accommodation Services (Ashlee Leavell and Julie Shelby) |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner (Provided) | |
| 7:00 PM | Evening Activities (TBD) |
Thursday, April 3rd
| Start Time | End Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | 8:30 AM | Registration |
| 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | First Keynote: How Exactly Does the Arc Bend? Generational Changes in Understanding Attitudes and Policies Around Ableism and Disability Issues (Dr. Mark Taylor) |
| 10:00 AM | 10:15 AM | Break |
| 10:15 AM | 11:45 AM | First Keynote Continued |
| 11:45 AM | 12:00 PM | Business Meeting/Presentation of Awards |
| 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM | Lunch (Provided) |
| 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Second Keynote: 1 in 20: Addressing the Mental Health Crisis on Campus While Trying to Maintain Your Own (Dr. Rikki Turner) |
| 2:00 PM | 3:00 PM | Birthday Party Break |
| 3:00 PM | 4:00 PM | History of Ark AHEAD (panel of founding and early members) |
| 5:00 PM | Dinner (Provided) |
Friday, April 4th
| Start Time | End Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | Session 4: Guiding Principles for Making Decisions Regarding Access and Accommodations (Melanie Thornton) |
| 10:00 AM | 10:15 AM | Break |
| 10:15 AM | 11:15 AM | Session 5: I Can’t Get No Motivation (HSU Crew) |
| 11:15 AM | 11:30 AM | Closing Comments and Dismissal |
View Full Schedule with Descriptions (coming soon)
Conference and Lodging Location
All sessions and activities will be held in the conference center located on Greers Ferry Lake.
Fairfield Bay Conference Center
110 Lost Creek Parkway
Fairfield Bay, AR 72088
501-884-4202
ffbconference.com
Lodging is available next door:
Cobblestone Inn & Suites
100 Lost Creek Parkway
Fairfield Bay, AR 72088
Call to make reservations. Indicate that you are with Ark AHEAD.
Phone: 501-825-3046
Website: staycobblestone.com/ar/fairfield-bay/
Lodging details:
- Cost of room is $115 + tax per night for any type room
- Includes complimentary breakfast on Thursday and Friday
- Limited number of each room type so register early for choice
- Various room types available
- Check-in time is 3:00 but rooms may be ready earlier
- Request lodging access accommodations when making reservation
- Individual reservations can be cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before arrival date. No-Show reservations will be charged one night’s room rate at the negotiated group rate.