June 2025 Quick Minutes
Post Conference Recap
Over 1,000 college admissions and advising professionals from across the region, and even some from other affiliated organizations, made the trip through Hartsfield-Jackson or down I-85 to the capital city of Coca-Cola and the Braves to experience the power of collaboration and Embracing the Moment. The SACAC 2025 Conference in Atlanta was truly an unforgettable experience.
We promised members a conference that would inspire, inform, and create impact — and we believe we did just that. The Inclusion, Access, and Success Committee inspired and informed with their pre-conference outreach project, where they educated local parents and students on the college admissions process, financial aid, and more. And of course, we sent them off with plenty of college swag, thanks to our volunteers and college partners.
It wouldn't be an Atlanta event without kicking things off with the Southern sounds of a marching band. The KIPP Atlanta Collegiate Sounds of Royalty inspired us to find our own rhythm, and keynote speaker Tony Hillery — Founder and CEO of Harlem Grown — encouraged us to embrace the rhythm of others.
With over 50 sessions on topics ranging from tips for writing letters of recommendation to maintaining work-life balance, our presenters equipped attendees with valuable information to enhance their professional impact. One attendee wrote in a survey, “This conference was power-packed with excellent topics and presenters. I learned so much.”
Another shared, “I appreciated all the sessions I attended and felt the presenters were well-prepared and invested in their content. Most sessions were interactive and engaging, inviting the audience to participate in meaningful ways.”
Needless to say, the sessions achieved their goal, and the impact was immediately felt.
During our conference luncheon and membership meeting, the Governance and Nominating Committee recognized SACAC members for their individual contributions to the field. NACAC showed their support through kind words from Chair-elect Derek DuBose, and our Past President, Sean Kennedy, passed the gavel to Arlene Outerbridge, who will serve as SACAC President for the 2025–2026 term.
We wrapped up our Atlanta conference with a sweet escape to the World of Coca-Cola for our conference social. Attendees explored exhibits, danced the night away, and celebrated the success of the conference.
Thank you to everyone who played a role in making this year’s conference one for the books — volunteers, sponsors, presenters, exhibitors, college partners, committee members, and more. We truly appreciate your support and hope to see you all next year in New Orleans!
Southern Scope is brought to you by the SACAC Communication Advisory Board (CAB).
- Dominique Harrison, North Carolina A&T University, (NC)
- Ebony Lovett, Wesleyan School, (GA)
- Jacqueline Bauer, Fairfield University, (FL)
- Angela Blair, Chattahoochee Tech, (GA)
- Joseph Blassberg, The Greene School, (FL)
- Allyson Brown, South Carolina Governor's School for Math & Science, (SC)
- Jonathan Woog, Charlotte Country Day School, (NC)
Questions, comments, or story ideas? Send them to communications@sacac.org.