From Classroom to Career
A Future-Ready Texas

Dec. 8-10, 2025 | AT&T Conference Center, Austin, Texas 

Building a Talent-Strong Texas—Together

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.  

Join us in Austin this December for conversations with policymakers, higher education leaders, industry innovators, and philanthropic changemakers. Together, we’ll explore how to ensure every Texan is equipped to contribute to the future of our state. 

Higher EDge 2025 features an expanded three-day format designed to maximize learning, networking, and collaboration opportunities. See our conference schedule: 

Dec. 8-10, 2025

  • Dec. 8: Required Trainings for Regents and Trustees 
  • Dec. 9–10: Plenary and Breakout Sessions and The State of Higher Education 
Register Today!

Why attend?

What’s at Stake

Explore the urgent challenges facing Texas students today. From boosting community college-to-university transfer rates to ensuring more high school seniors pursue education beyond high school, we’ll unpack the barriers standing in the way of progress, and what they mean for the future of our state.

Where We Stand Today 

Today’s students are clear: They’re seeking education that leads to meaningful work and economic opportunity. We’ll share insights from experts and students about financial aid, affordability, and what truly drives their decisions. Learn where gaps remain and where opportunities lie. 

From Ideas to Impact

Let’s chart a bold path forward. You’ll engage with strategies and success stories that are shaping how we inform, support, and guide students—no matter where they are or where they’re headed. From workforce certificates to doctoral degrees, we’ll explore the full spectrum of higher education pathways. 

Join the Conversation That Will Shape the Future of Texas

Our shared vision demands shared leadership. Be part of the movement to build a future-ready Texas. Whether you’re shaping policy, guiding students, or bridging the education-to-employment pipeline, your voice matters. Let’s drive toward 2030—together.

Agenda At-A-Glance

12:30- 1:00 p.m. Registration 
1:00-1:10 p.m. Welcome Remarks 
1:10-3:15 p.m. Joint Required Training Sessions 
3:15-3:35 p.m. Break 
3:35-4:35 p.m. Breakout Required Training Sessions 
4:45 p.m. Adjourn and Certify 
8:30–9:30 a.m. Registration and Breakfast 
9:30-11:15 a.m. EDge Expo 
9:30-9:35 a.m. Opening Remarks 
9:35-10:25 a.m. Plenary Panel 
10:25–10:45 a.m. EDge Expo + Networking 
10:45–11:35 a.m. Breakout Sessions  
11:35a.m.–12:15 p.m. Lunch Service  
12:15–1:05 p.m. Keynote 
1:05-1:25 p.m. EDge Expo + Networking 
1:25–2:15 p.m.  Breakout Sessions  
2:15–2:30 p.m. Break 
2:30–3:20 p.m. Breakout Sessions  
3:20–3:40 p.m. Break + Networking 
3:40-4:40 p.m. Plenary Panel 
4:40-4:45 p.m. Closing Remarks 
4:45–6:15 p.m. Star Awards 
8:30–9:00 a.m. Networking Breakfast 
9:00–9:05 a.m. Opening Remarks 
9:05–9:55 a.m. EDge Talks 
9:55–10:10 a.m. Break 
10:10–11:00 a.m. Plenary Panel 
11:15-11:45 a.m. Plenary Panel
11:45-11:50 a.m. Closing Remarks 
Register Today!

Questions or inquiries?  

If you run into any trouble registering, please contact our team at events@highered.texas.gov. We’ll do our best to respond as quickly as possible. Please do not register more than once, as this may result in duplicate submissions. 

Traveling to Austin? A limited number of rooms are available at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center at the government per diem rate. Click here to book online or call 877-744-8822 and reference the THECB Higher EDge.