2025 Annual Conference Theme

Written by Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher, ASHE 2025 President

This year’s theme is inspired by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s quote, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” The concept of an arc mirrors the paradoxical nature of what’s rhetorical and reality. It is a continuing storyline paralleling the arcs, two sides of the same coin -- rhetoric and reality. The story of the United States has been one of progress. The broader narrative of advancement often shared reflects a more elusive idea of the strivings of this country. Notwithstanding, during this convening, we will consider not only the arc of the nation and U.S. campuses as microcosms of larger society but also the role that the association has played as we work toward progress in our field.

Over the course of the past five decades, at its core, ASHE is a story of progress. As the association nears its 50th anniversary, we can take stock of the organization’s beginning, past lessons, present realities, and advancing futures that are bold, collaborative, spur action, value equity and champion justice. For our fall conference, you are invited to consider character arcs. That is the academic journey of educational transformation and evolution considering higher education’s story through notable events, challenges, and gradual changes. The same can be said for your own academic journey — what is your arc? 

As a field, higher education is ever evolving and constantly changing; ASHE as a professional home for higher ed scholars has too shape shifted and managed to move alongside academia as it morphs into its next iteration. Therefore, it is paramount not to forget the history and legacy that precede where we are as a field and association today.

Marrying Creativity, Discovery, and Activism  

"Art is about building a new foundation, not just laying something on top of what’s already there." ~Prince

I entered academia with excitement and a desire to create, and I have remained here to continue that mission. This year we are embracing innovative approaches to conferencing, encouraging us to take bold, creative risks. The 2025 conference will endeavor to craft an environment that is not only intellectually enriching but also imaginative and engaging. We will make space for an environment that intersects criticality alongside scholarly creative activities, underscoring the power of our artistry as scholars while also showcasing the enduring excellence that defines our work. 

Our theme this year is not only a clarion call to action, but an understanding that scholarly creative expression is an art form. There is relevance and connection between scholarly pursuits, art, and truth. Join us in considering, celebrating, and critiquing individual and institutional transformations, inner journeys over the course of our personal and collective stories.

This year you are invited to step outside the frame, color outside the lines, and embrace creativity. As scholars, we are also artists—capable of producing and sharing high-quality content that reaches beyond conventional boundaries and fosters meaningful, deep connections. As you submit your proposal for the ASHE golden anniversary, take time to reflect on how your ideas can contribute to shaping the conference (and our field) to create a space where creativity and activism drive our collective progress.

Note: Connection to the theme is not a criterion for evaluation for any proposals and is not part of the review criteria. Please refer to the review criteria in the Call For Proposals for more information (2025 documentation to be released in February).