Keynote: Rob Johnstone, PhD, Founder and President, National Center for Inquiry & Improvement (NCII)

Rob is a national leader in the higher education reform movement. He established NCII in 2013 to help community colleges and other broad-access institutions create structures, processes, and cultures that increase student learning, completion, and labor market outcomes and close opportunity gaps. Since then, he has partnered with more than 500 colleges in 45 states.

Rob’s engaging and practical approach to redesign helps to bridge major reforms sought by foundations, policymakers, and systems offices with the ground-level work of college practitioners and executives tasked with realizing changes in students’ experiences and their institution’s operations. Prior to NCII, Rob served as a middle leader and provost in the California community college system and as a strategic consultant in industry. Rob brings this unique history along with his optimism and energy as he works with colleges to ensure that their students and communities thrive.

Rob holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Stanford University, a master’s degree in experimental psychology from San Jose State University, and a doctorate in social psychology/psychology and the law from the University of Oregon.

Main Stage Presenter: Charles Madsen, Senior Director of Evaluation, Office of Applied Research, Evaluation & Data Analytics, The City University of New York

Charles Madsen is the Senior Director of Evaluation in CUNY’s Office of Applied Research, Evaluation & Data Analytics (OAREDA), overseeing the unit formerly known as the Office of Research, Evaluation & Program Support (REPS) where he has worked in multiple research and leadership roles for the past 11 years. In his current position, Charles directs a team of analysts and data specialists providing applied research and evaluation, reporting, and data management support to more than 30 CUNY programs and strategic initiatives. 

Focusing on a wide range of topical areas, the OAREDA Evaluation unit is engaged in issues of college readiness, college transition and pre-matriculation interventions, college access and success, career preparation, workforce development, and adult/continuing education. While prioritizing the production of actionable evidence to inform the planning, implementation, and assessment of CUNY programs and initiatives, the Evaluation unit also routinely shares its work in external meetings, conferences, publications, and via its website. 

Charles holds a B.A. in Sociology & Anthropology and Russian language from Saint Olaf College and an M.A. in Research Methods and Statistics from the University of Denver. 

Breakout Session Presenters

Lisa Beatha, CUNY University Director for the Office of Veteran Affairs (COVA)

Lisa Beatha is a proud Army Veteran who has served the City University of New York (CUNY) for over two decades, bringing extensive expertise in academic advising, professional development, and credential evaluation. 

In her current role as University Director of Special Projects at the CUNY Central Office, Ms. Beatha leads initiatives related to policy development, systemwide advocacy, resource acquisition, and support for online academic advising. She is particularly focused on helping military-connected students translate their training into academic and professional advancement. 

Alyssa Vine, University Director of Credit for Prior Learning, CUNY Office of Academic Affairs

In this role she leads the university’s Office of Credit for Prior Learning, which provides policy and procedure guidance and supports CUNY’s colleges in their work to award academic credit for learning acquired outside of the college classroom. Since joining CUNY’s Central Office in 2015, she has held a variety of roles focused on adult learner initiatives, experiential learning, and technology accessibility. Previously, she worked as Director of Media Relations in Barnard College’s Department of Communications. She is a graduate of the University of Vermont and the Columbia Journalism School. 

Mx. Christina Chala, University Student Engagement Programs Manager in the CUNY Office of Student Inclusion Initiatives

Mx. Christina Chala is a queer identified Arab-Latina social justice educator committed to creating transformative educational spaces and experiences. She currently works as the University Student Engagement Programs Manager in the CUNY Office of Student Inclusion Initiatives, and previously served as Career Specialist for the Medgar Evers College ASAP program.  A proud Community College graduate, they earned their B.A. in Women/Gender Studies from UCLA and their M.A. in Higher Education/Student Affairs from NYU. She currently co-chairs the Outreach Sub-Committee for the CUNY LGBTQI+ Council (@CUNYLGBTQIPlus).