The STAR Scholars Network is excited to announce that Dr. Nancy L. Zimpher, former Chancellor of The State University of New York (SUNY), will deliver the inaugural keynote address at the 2024 STAR Global Conference. This prestigious event will be hosted by Kathmandu University, a distinguished member of our network, renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to innovation. The conference theme, “Engaging Communities, Leaders, and Practitioners: Advancing Transformative Research and Education,” promises to inspire insightful discussions and foster significant advancements in the field of education.
Kathmandu University, established by an Act of Parliament in December 1991, continues to be a beacon of knowledge and innovation. As attendees prepare for their journey, they can look forward to the enriching experience that awaits them in Kathmandu. Nestled at an altitude of 1,400 meters, this city blends ancient traditions with modern vibrancy. Iconic sites like Durbar Square and Swayambhu Mahachaitya, along with the bustling economic heart of Nepal, provide a memorable backdrop for our gathering.
A unique feature of the conference will be an academic wellness experience facilitated by our VP of Academic Wellness.
Dr. Nancy L. Zimpher, currently serving as Chief Improvement Officer at the National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH), brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the conference. She is Chancellor Emeritus of SUNY, where she served as the twelfth chancellor from 2009 to 2017, overseeing the nation’s largest comprehensive system of public higher education. Dr. Zimpher’s illustrious career includes roles as president of the University of Cincinnati, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and executive dean of the Professional Colleges and dean of the College of Education at The Ohio State University.
Throughout her career, Dr. Zimpher has championed the expansive responsibilities of public higher education in the 21st century. Her collective-impact theory of action focuses on educating more people and improving education quality, driving regional and local economic development, creating seamless cradle-to-career education pipelines, and transforming teaching and learning in urban and rural school settings. She is a co-founder of StriveTogether, a national network addressing challenges across the education pipeline, and has served in leadership roles with several prominent organizations.
Dr. Zimpher holds a BS in English Education and Speech, an MA in English Literature, and a PhD in Teacher Education and Higher Education Administration, all from The Ohio State University.
“We eagerly anticipate the insights and perspectives Dr. Zimpher will bring to the conference,” said Dr. Balchandra Luitel, the host and conference chair. “We look forward to welcoming attendees to this transformative event!”