Conference Committee Leadership Team

The Conference Committee serves as the heart of our member-led planning, ensuring the Annual Conference remains a space shaped by and for our community. This committee acts as the essential link between our Program Committee’s scholarly vision, our Local and Community Engagement Committee’s place-based relationships, and the Attendee Engagement’s wellness and networking initiatives. By unifying these member-driven efforts, the committee ensures your experience—from the research you share to the community connections you build—is purposeful and cohesive. Their work bridges the diverse aspects of our gathering to create an inclusive environment where every member can thrive.

Please e-mail conference@ashe.ws with any conference questions and the ASHE Staff will respond or direct your e-mail to the appropriate Leadership Volunteer.

The Conference Committee consists of a Chair and Co-Chairs of the following in-group committees: Attendee Engagement, Local and Community Engagement, and Program Committee. Current members of these roles are listed after the following committee information. The ASHE Associate Director for Conference and Events serves as the Staff Partner.

Conference Committee Leadership Team

  • Nichole M. Garcia
    Nichole M. Garcia
    Associate Professor of Higher Education Rutgers University (801)867-5467
    Conference Committee Chair
  • Alicia Castillo Shrestha
    Alicia Castillo Shrestha
    Associate Director of Conference and Events Association for the Study of Higher Education (202)925-5935
    Staff Partner
  • LaShawn Faith Washington
    LaShawn Faith Washington
    Assistant Professor The University of Texas at Austin (972)809-3213
    Attendee Engagement Committee Co-Chair
  • Theresa Jean Ambo
    Theresa Jean Ambo
    Associate Professor University of California, Los Angeles
    Local and Community Engagement Committee Co-Chair
  • Stephen Santa-Ramirez
    Stephen Santa-Ramirez
    Associate Professor of Higher Education University at Buffalo (716)645-5236
    Local and Community Engagement Committee Co-Chair
  • Crystal E. Garcia
    Crystal E. Garcia
    Associate Professor University of Nebraska-Lincoln (214)868-8038
    Program Committee Co-Chair
  • Demetri L Morgan
    Demetri L Morgan
    Associate Professor of Education University of Michigan (561)271-9930
    Program Committee Co-Chair