Clifton Strengths Institute Summer Conference
Stretch Your Strengths Where Strengths Started
Are you building a strengths-based mindset on your campus? Are you passionate about strengths-based sciences in your workplace or startup? Are you eager to share your story and learn best practices from talented students, faculty and staff? Join us for our Clifton Strengths Institute Summer Conference as you deepen your knowledge, learn from others and advance your strengths practices.
You’re invited to the Clifton Strengths Institute Summer Conference, designed for higher education leaders and champions of strengths-based programming in their community. This conference includes a variety of thought-provoking sessions designed to highlight excellence in strengths-based education on campuses and in the workplace.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Who Should Attend
The Clifton Strengths Institute Summer Conference is best suited for:
Anyone intrigued in unique strengths and talents in others
Higher education admin, looking to bring Strengths to your campus
Young professionals interested in your own career development
Anyone interested in developing your own strengths and potential
Anyone looking for new ways to connect with students or colleagues
Anyone wanting to create engaging and new ways to implement staff development
Anyone looking for tangible takeaways you can apply with your team
Agenda | |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. | Check-in |
| 9 a.m. | Welcome and Opening Keynotes |
| 10 a.m. | Session 1 |
| 11 a.m. | Session 2 |
| 12 p.m. | Lunch and Keynote Panel |
| 1:20 p.m. | Strengths Networking Activity |
| 2 p.m. | Session 3 |
| 3 p.m. | Session 4 |
| 3:50 p.m. | Closing and Ice Cream Social |
Keynotes
Katherine Ankerson
Learner | Belief | Achiever | Futuristic | Strategic
Katherine “Kathy” Ankerson serves as interim chancellor of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Her appointment was announced Jan. 5, and she began the interim role Jan. 12.
Ankerson previously served as UNL’s executive vice chancellor from 2022 until her retirement in Dec. 2024. Her higher education career spans 35 years, including 24 at Nebraska.
She was dean of the College of Architecture from 2016 to 2022, leading improvements in faculty achievement, student success and graduation rates. Earlier, she served as a professor and associate dean at Nebraska and held academic positions at Radford University, Washington State University and Kansas State University.
An award-winning educator, Ankerson was named the International Interior Design Association’s 2020 Educator of the Year. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Washington State University.
Mike McDonald
Ideation | Input | Learner | Achiever | Focus
Mike McDonald is a senior workplace consultant and learning business partner at Gallup, where he works with organizations to develop learning strategies that strengthen employee engagement, well-being and performance. He supports clients ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies across multiple industries.
With more than 25 years at Gallup, McDonald has applied measurement, recognition and forecasting strategies to improve engagement and team performance. He also facilitates Gallup learning programs for major clients. Additionally, he has taught university courses, delivers keynote presentations and leads a podcast on leadership and organizational performance.
McDonald earned three degrees from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln: a bachelor’s degree in journalism, a master’s degree in human resource development and a doctorate in educational leadership.
Keynote Panel: Strengths in Collegiate Athletics
Senior athletic leaders and student-athletes will share how strengths shape team culture, leadership development and performance in collegiate athletics and beyond. Gain practical insight into how a strengths-based approach drives both competitive excellence and student growth.
Travel Accommodations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this conference offered in a virtual format?
No, this will be an in-person event.
Am I required to take the CliftonStrengths assessment before?
No, taking the CliftonStrengths assessment is not required for this conference, but completing it beforehand can enrich your experience.
Contact
Clifton Strengths Institute Conference Team
csiconference@unl.edu
402-472-2035
HLH 115
P.O. Box 880405
Lincoln, NE 68588-0405