The fourth annual eVOLve conference was a success, reaching the maximum number of attendees for both in-person and virtual. The 2025 theme of “Meeting Community Needs” weaved throughout the day with the keynote speaker and breakout sessions. The conference boasted 387 in-person attendees and over 600 virtual participants, hailing from 27 different states, including Hawaii. The conference offered 13 free sessions, 17 speakers, relied on over 45 volunteers, and allowed each participant to earn up to 4.5 free CEUs.
The college’s own Dr. Ruben Parra-Cardona gave the keynote address titled “Healing through Parenting: Promoting Community and Resilience by Co-Implementing Parenting Programs in Adverse Contexts.” Dr. Parra-Cardona is renowned for his groundbreaking research on culturally adapted parenting programs to prevent child maltreatment and adolescent drug use in Latinx communities. He is dedicated to making a global impact through evidence-based interventions.
In addition to multiple breakout sessions, 13 college community partner organizations participated in the Community Partner Mingle, allowing participants to network and learn more about the organizations’ missions and services they offer, as well as to learn of open positions within the companies.
A pre-conference celebration was held the evening prior at the Neyland Stadium West Club which included special awards, delicious food, music, and dancing.
Three prestigious awards were given to very deserving alumni and friends:
Outstanding Alumnus Award
Dr. Nancy Meyer-Adams
The Heart of Social Work Award
Barbara Kelly
Dr. Enkeshi El-Amin
Light the Way Award
Contact Care Line
The date for the 2026 Conference has been set for March 20, 2026 and registration will open January 20, 2026.
