Higher EDge
Overview
The annual Higher EDge conference, held each December, brings together leaders from higher education, philanthropy, business, and other sectors to exchange ideas and explore emerging issues shaping the future of higher education in Texas and beyond.
The event features insightful discussions with speakers and attendees from across the state and nation, as well as the annual Star Awards recognizing excellence at Texas higher education institutions.
Higher EDge concludes with a conversation featuring the Commissioner of Higher Education and other thought leaders, reflecting on the past year’s accomplishments and challenges while exploring the vision and priorities for the year ahead.
Higher EDge 2026
Dec. 9-10, 2026 | AT&T Conference Center, Austin, Texas
Texas Talent Rising: Where Student Potential Meets Economic Possibility, which will be held on December 9th and 10th at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center, will bring together education, workforce, business, and community leaders around a shared challenge and opportunity: ensuring every Texas student can thrive in the future of our state.
Higher EDge 2025
As Texas moves toward 2030 and the ambitious goals of the state’s strategic plan for higher education, Building a Talent Strong Texas, the next five years are critical. Higher EDge 2025 is your opportunity to take stock, share solutions, and shape the future of education and workforce readiness in our state.
Higher EDge 2024
Higher EDge 2024 embracing the theme of “Today’s Student. Tomorrow’s Texas.” with an array of engaging programming. Designed to empower and inspire, this conference supported those dedicated to helping students flourish across Texas. With thought-provoking panels, a compelling keynote from Stephen Moret, President and CEO of Strada Education Foundation, and transformative breakout sessions, Higher EDge 2024 was a vibrant hub for forward-thinking professionals passionate about student success.
Higher EDge 2023
We went bigger and better this year thanks to our incredible speakers, sponsors, and attendees. We were joined by policymakers and leaders in higher education, business, and philanthropy, and held conversations on the role of AI, cutting-edge research efforts, and more on the dynamic movement shaking up the higher education space in Texas.
In his The State of Higher Education address, Commissioner Keller highlighted the many successes of 2023 and called on everyone to accelerate the pace of change to meet Texas’ needs and ensure the state stays competitive throughout the 21st century.
Leadership Conference 2022
A resounding theme echoed throughout this year’s conference: This is a pivotal moment in higher education, and Texas is leading the way. In his annual The State of Higher Education address, Commissioner Harrison Keller called on leaders across the state in higher education, industry, philanthropy, and government to seize the moment and strengthen higher education for impact at scale.
Leadership Conference 2021
Commissioner Harrison Keller outlined the ways in which Texas is raising the bar for higher education and unveiled an ambitious vision for higher education, including the refresh of the state’s strategic plan, Building a Talent Strong Texas.
Leadership Conference 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s conference was held virtually. Despite the challenges, Commissioner Harrison Keller emphasized higher education as an essential part of the solution for how Texas will overcome and emerge even stronger from the pandemic.