Save the Date!
Saturday, October 10, 2026
BRINGING TOGETHER UGA'S BEST AND BRIGHTEST FOR YOU
Ready to grow as a leader and make an impact at UGA and beyond? The Student Leadership Conference, hosted by Engagement, Leadership, and Service, is a free, day-long experience designed to help you build the skills and confidence to lead, no matter your role or experience level.
Registration is free for all UGA-Athens activity fee-paying students.
2026 KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Narke Norton serves as a Director of Community Building & Outreach in the Student & Academic Affairs Office with the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). Dr. Norton is a first-generation triple dawg, with service in 8 UGA student organizations and multiple local and national leadership roles as a student, staff, and faculty member at UGA.
Dr. Norton has an Associate’s & Bachelor’s in Political Science, a Master’s in Higher Education Administration, and a PhD in Education with an emphasis in College Student Affairs Administration. Beyond his CVM responsibilities, Narke was a 2014 TEDxUGA speaker, served as President of Town & Gown Players Theater, currently serves as an Executive Director for Rabbit Box – a non-profit focused on local storytelling- and a Debate Coach for a non-profit called Chess and Community for Athens youth.
WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE
You will spend the day learning alongside other UGA students through engaging workshops, interactive sessions, and inspiring speakers. Choose from a variety of topics that matter to you — like teamwork, communication, well-being, and creating positive change.
You’ll hear from seasoned professionals and experienced student leaders, gain new ideas, and leave with tools you can use in your organization, classes, and future career.
Conference Schedule
9:00-10:00 a.m. – Breakfast & Check-In
10:00-11:00 a.m. – Welcome & Keynote Address
11:00-11:50 a.m. – Presentation Block I
12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch, Activities & Games
1:00-1:50 p.m. – Presentation Block II
2:00-2:50 p.m. – Presentation Block III
3:00-3:30 p.m. – Closing Social & Giveaways
WHY REGISTER?
- Build real leadership skills you can apply immediately
- Connect with other students who want to grow and lead
- Learn from experts and peers with different experiences and perspectives
- Discover your leadership style and how to lead in any setting
- Gain confidence in your ability to create change
Lead the Conversation on Leadership!
Are you passionate about leadership and eager to share your insights? We invite students, faculty, and staff to submit a presentation proposal for our upcoming leadership event.
Presentations may fall into (but are not limited to) the following tracks, answering these fundamental questions you may have:
- How can I lead with no title?
- Is service leadership?
- How do I lead well?
- How do I lead and be well?
This is your chance to inspire others, spark meaningful dialogue, and help shape the future of leadership on campus.
DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
“I really liked his [Life’s] key aspect that being a leader isn’t just what people think. It’s about your voice, your gifts, and your values, and how you present them to people. Anyone can be a leader; it’s just how you present yourself as a leader to be the best leader.” – Alayna H.
“Recognize what your community needs, and don’t be afraid to adapt and show up for what you are needed for, even if it wasn’t your original plan.” – Shreya R.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE CAN I REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE?
- Registration for the 30th annual Student Leadership Conference is open until October 1, 2026. Register using this link in the Involvement Network.
IS THE CONFERENCE FREE?
YES! The conference is completely free for fees-paid students.
WHO CAN COME TO THE CONFERENCE?
Any UGA student, faculty, or staff member is invited to the conference.
WHERE IS THE CONFERENCE?
The conference will be held in the Tate Student Center at 45 Baxter St, Athens, GA 30601.
WILL THERE BE FOOD?
You bet! Food vendors will be announced as the event day approaches. Attendees will be served breakfast and lunch at the event!
WHAT CAN I EXPECT OUT OF THE DAY?
A day full of excitement and learning! We will start the day with a keynote speaker, offer 3 different hour-long breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and a closing social with chances to win fun prizes.
WHAT IS THE CONFERENCE DRESS CODE?
We recommend a comfortable business casual. Please keep in mind you will be walking in between sessions, so plan for appropriately comfortable shoes and attire.
HOW SHOULD I REQUEST ACCOMMODATIONS?
The university strives to reasonably accommodate persons with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws and policies. You may request accommodations below; contact us by phone at 706.542.6396 or by email at ugaels@uga.edu.
HOW DO I GET TO THE TATE STUDENT CENTER?
Parking in the Tate Student Center Deck will be free on the day of the conference. UGA busses will also be running and have stops close to the Tate Student Center.
WHERE DO I CHECK-IN?
Check-in for the conference will be on the 5th floor of the Tate Student Center. From the parking deck, take the elevators to the 5th If you are entering the building on the 3rd floor, navigate to the elevators closest to Barberitos and take those elevators to the 5th floor.
We are here to answer all your questions
and help you get started.