Katie is an XM Strategist at Qualtrics, Katie brings over a decade of experience partnering with higher education institutions on research, strategy, and program design. Leveraging her research background, she helps leaders shape student and educator experiences that drive measurable impact.

Michael Darfler is a space planning and strategy leader who helps organizations translate complex challenges into clear, actionable solutions. With more than a decade of experience in higher education planning, programming, and workplace strategy, he works with institutions to align their physical environments with their strategic goals, operational needs, and long-term vision.

Elliot is an accomplished strategist, facilitator, and author who leads Buro Happold’s Higher Ed Advisory Practice. He has helped transform over 120 colleges and universities with strategic plans that provide focus, org designs that create alignment, and operating models that enable change.

Dr. Bridget Yuhas is the Executive Director for Strategy, Assessment, and Operations in Butler University's Division of DEI and Student Affairs. She has 20 years of experience in higher ed, including five at NSSE, and researches student well-being.

Rick Choate is Assistant Vice President of Customer Insights and Influence at Southern New Hampshire University, where he helps advance the university's customer experience strategy and modernize the learner experience. He brings more than 30 years of leadership across the United States Air Force, healthcare, and higher education, including 20 years in the military and more than a decade leading patient experience and operational improvement work. A Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP), Rick holds a master's degree from Troy University and a bachelor's degree from Faulkner University. His work centers on elevating the voice of the learner and translating insights into better service design and stronger organizational decisions.

Dr. Daniel Maxwell is Vice President for Student Success and Student Life at the University of Houston – Downtown (UHD). Dan joined the Gator community in late July 2024 and was named permanent vice president in May 2025. Dan’s 36-year career included previous roles at Syracuse University, the University of Arizona, Western Illinois University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), the University of Houston, and the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Dan received his bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and his master’s degree from the University of Miami. He earned his doctorate in higher education and student affairs from Indiana University.