The 2023 Dallas Herring Lecture will feature Falecia D. Williams, president of Prince George’s Community College, as the event’s keynote speaker.

At the event on Nov. 14, community college leaders and educators from around the country will have the opportunity to talk about strategies to address top issues concerning institutions, such as the enrollment boom and evolving structures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Education leaders are navigating dynamic times that require bold and even daring strategies to ensure student academic achievement. Forward momentum is the product of innovative thinking and agility. As educators, we have a unique opportunity to take action and move toward extraordinary change in our communities and our world,” Williams said. 

Held by the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, the annual lecture is named after the late William Dallas Herring, an educator, manufacturer, businessman, and founder of the North Carolina Community College System.

This year will mark the lecture’s ninth lecture since its inception. Attendees can look forward to Williams’ comments on her experience leading what is considered the top choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s county. Her institution has been able to secure partnerships supporting student success from the Community College Growth Engine Fund, American Heart Association, Cloudforce, Bank of America, Pepco, and Luminus Health.

In her presentation, Williams will provide a framework for transforming the structure of how community colleges work, including initiatives that aim to inspire attendees.

“This year’s Dallas Herring Lecture, delivered by powerful speaker and community college champion Dr. Falecia Williams, will challenge us all to consider how to leverage both obstacles and opportunities facing community colleges to create greater access and opportunity for our students,” Dr. Audrey J. Jaeger, executive director of the Belk Center, said.

As reported in Community College Daily, enrollment at two-year community college has increased after years of dramatic decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reasons for this trend include early enrollment campaigns, increases in dual enrollment, and free tuition programs.

“Based on her own experiences at Prince George’s Community College, Dr. Williams will lead attendees to reflect on how we, too, can be extraordinary in our leadership to build more equitable institutions and communities,” Jaeger said.

The event is free and open to be streamed by the public, but registration is required.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to clarify that the 2023 event will be the ninth Dallas Herring lecture. It has been in existence for eight years.