Dear AGLSP Conference Participants and Attendees,

On behalf of the Association and its Executive Board, I am delighted to welcome you to our 2025 conference. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to connect with students, alumni, faculty, and program directors from across the country—even if we’re gathering virtually this year.

This year marks the AGLSP’s 50th anniversary. When the ten charter members formed this association in 1975, they could never have imagined the state of higher education today – the rise of online learning and technology, the pressure to shift from liberal arts to career focus, tuitions rising into the 6 figures a year… A half-century later, our programs face headwinds, but AGLSP continues to provide a shared home and a passionate voice for liberal studies.

This year’s theme, “At the Crossroads: Interdisciplinary Approaches in a Changing World,” invites us to think deeply about how our programs respond to—and help shape—the shifting landscapes of higher education and society at large. Expect thought-provoking presentations, timely conversations, and new perspectives that may spark collaborations well beyond the conference itself. At a time when the political climate in the U.S. is creating new pressures and uncertainties on many of our campuses, this gathering also reminds us that we are here to support one another, share strategies, and bring positive energy to our work in challenging times.

We’ll once again begin with a day of workshops tailored for directors and program administrators. Participants will discover with fresh insights and practical strategies for program management and student advising. Each year, our fellowship strengthens, and our resilience grows, as AGLSP members share knowledge and experiences.

Our home office at Rice and the AGLSP Board will oversee operations, but it’s your contributions that bring the event to life. Many of you are presenting or moderating, and we thank you for stepping forward to share your expertise. Together, we continue to celebrate Graduate Liberal Studies, Cultural Studies, and Interdisciplinary Studies.

I look forward to seeing and speaking with many of you throughout these three exciting days.

Sincerely yours,

Jennifer Curran
President, AGLSP