WWHEL Conference 2026
SMALL HABITS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
Join education professionals from across the region for a day of learning, reflection, and skill-building. Participants will explore practical strategies to improve daily workflows, strengthen communication, and highlight the meaningful impact of education within their communities.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kerry Petsinger
Topic: Mornings that Matter® GETUP Keynote Speech
Dr. Kerry Petsinger is a High-Performance Coach and creator of Mornings that Matter®, the research-based, 10-minute GETUP routine, to start each day feeling unstoppable. She has taught this routine to people from over 70 countries. She coaches and trains ambitious people on mindset, performance, and execution. Dr. Kerry deconstructs the science of peak performance into simple action steps to equip and empower people to perform at their best.
Event Highlights
- Learn short, high-impact habits to boost focus and productivity.
- Use AI tools to manage email, streamline responses, and enhance communication.
- Practice simple strategies to reduce stress and reset after a busy workday.
- Strengthen professional communication while maintaining your authentic voice.
When
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Noon – 3:30 p.m.
Where
Online
Cost
Conference Fee: $50
Conference Agenda
Noon – 12:15 p.m.
Welcome and WWHEL Updates
12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Professional Success Habits: Round Table Presentation
Lea Ann Turner - Inbox Intelligence: Using AI to Work Smarter, Not Harder
Email is one of the biggest productivity drains in higher education. From responding to students and colleagues to drafting announcements and navigating difficult conversations, the inbox can quickly consume the day. This fast-paced session introduces practical ways AI can help higher education professionals write, organize, and respond to emails more efficiently—while still maintaining an authentic voice. Attendees will leave with simple prompts and strategies they can start using immediately to reclaim time and reduce email fatigue.
Desiah Melby – AI as a Professional Thought Partner: Practical Support for Writing, Meetings, and Data-Informed Decisions
Artificial intelligence is often discussed in broad or technical terms, leaving many professionals unsure how it can support their own day-to-day work. This short session demonstrates practical ways AI can function as a thought partner in professional settings. Through brief examples, participants will see how AI can help prepare for high-stakes meetings, strengthen professional communication, and quickly synthesize background information or data to support decision-making. The session will include simple prompt examples and a one-page resource participants can use immediately in their own professional workflows.
Michelle Stromme – End of Day R-E-S-E-T: Reclaiming Your Mind in an Always-On, Screen-Dependent, AI-Powered World
In a world of constant notifications, AI tools, and blurred work-life boundaries, it’s harder than ever to truly “log off” at the end of the day. This session offers a simple, research-informed reset routine to help you mentally unplug, reduce cognitive overload, and transition into your evening with more clarity and calm.
1:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Break
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Keynote Presentation
Dr. Kerry Petsinger – Mornings that Matter® GETUP
Dr. Kerry Petsinger is a High-Performance Coach and creator of Mornings that Matter®, the research-based, 10-minute GETUP routine to start each day feeling unstoppable. She has taught this routine to people from over 70 countries. She coaches and trains ambitious people on mindset, performance, and execution. Dr. Kerry deconstructs the science of peak performance into simple action steps to equip and empower people to perform at their best.
2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
Keynote Presentation
Claire Lauer – Small Systems, Big Impact: Habits that Help Busy Leaders Stay Organized and Focused
Many professionals feel overwhelmed by competing priorities, constant communication, and the pressure to do more. But meaningful progress doesn’t come from working longer hours; it comes from working with greater clarity and intention. In this session, Claire Lauer shares simple systems and habits that help busy leaders reduce overwhelm, protect their focus, and consistently move important work forward. Drawing from her experience running a successful business in three focused workdays per week, Claire offers a practical framework that attendees can immediately apply to their own roles. Participants will leave with clear, actionable strategies to simplify their workload, prioritize what matters most, and build sustainable momentum in both their personal and professional lives.
3:15 – 3:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Questions?
Contact Amber Stancher or call 715.342.3114
If you have a disability and need accommodations to take part in this activity, please let us know. Contact the event coordinator as soon as possible, ideally 14 days in advance.
