LSU Faculty and Students Shine at the 74th Annual AAACE Conference

Dr. Corina Caraccioli, Assistant Professor, served as the AAACE Conference Chair and was honored with the AAACE President's Appreciation Award. She presented "Developing AI Literacy Courses for Online Adult Learners," a session that emphasized the importance of equipping adult learners with AI competencies to navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Dr. Caraccioli shared insights on creating inclusive AI-focused curricula and highlighted the need for institutional policies and professional development to support faculty.

“ From thought-provoking sessions that bridged theory, research, and practice, to the hallway conversations that sparked new ideas and collaborations, this week reminded me why I love our field and our association so much. ”

Dr. Bethany Hager, Director of Louisiana A+ Schools, delivered two impactful presentations. The first, "Psychological Safety Research in the Military: Review and Implications," examined the complexities of fostering psychological safety in high-pressure military environments. Her second presentation, "Shifting Selves: Transformative Learning in the Wake of Loss," explored how widows reentering the workforce experienced profound personal and professional growth.

“ LSU proudly representing at the 2025 American Association for Adult and Continuing Education Conference! Excited to share our research and connect with scholars advancing adult learning across the nation. ”

Doctoral candidate Omaima Hajjami presented twice at the conference.

Her first session, "Exploring the Link Between Global Leadership Development and Transformative International Experiences," delved into how international experiences shape global leadership identity through transformative learning.

Her second presentation, "Intersectional Perspectives on Women’s Career Interruptions and Adult Learning," examined the challenges women face when reentering the workforce post-pandemic, emphasizing the need for targeted policies and educational opportunities to support their reintegration.

Doctoral candidate Terri Ricks, in collaboration with Dr. Petra A. Robinson, presented "How a Syllabus Can Help Bridge the Generational Divide." This session reimagined the syllabus as a tool for inclusion and professional preparation, addressing the diverse needs of adult learners.

“ The scholar leaders from LSU School of Leadership & Human Resource Development were exemplary! I am so proud to be learning from and with such amazing leaders as Drs. Petra A. Robinson & Corina Caraccioli, PhD! ”

Dr. Petra A. Robinson, Interim Director and Associate Professor,  participated in the "Author Chat" panel and presented two sessions: "Introducing Critical AI Literacy in Adult Learning and Education," with Dr. Eunbi Sim,  Assistant Professor, Boise State University, which explored the role of AI literacy in enhancing adult learning, and "Becoming Multilingual Educators: EMI Faculty Identity Formation in Globalized Higher Education," with Dr. Maja Stojanović, Assistant Professor at North Carolina State University and SLHRD alumni, which examined the evolving identities of English Medium Instruction faculty in multilingual academic spaces.

Dr. Robinson was also named AAACE President-elect. In this role, she will prepare for her upcoming year as President by learning the current President's duties and assisting with association business. As the second-highest officer, she will assume the presidency after a one-year term and then, after one year, assume the role of Past President.