HEAPCON 2024
"Guiding Success; Empowering Excellence"
Higher Education Administrative Professionals Conference

SAVE THE DATE: Friday, February 21, 2025 

Administrative Professionals are the unsung heroes who provide support and resources to a variety of people within a variety of organizations. The ability to manage ever-changing projects, priorities, and people, while maintaining a positive attitude and professionalism is a challenge, but a requirement for success. This conference is designed to provide relevant workshops to all levels of administrative professionals. Some of the topics include leadership, technology, project planning, staying in sync with your boss and team, dealing with people, diversity in the workplace, and much more. The overall goal is to take Administrative Professionals to the next level of success, and "Be Extraordinary!" Join HEAPCON Facebook Group Here!  Join our LinkedIn Page Here! 

2024 Table of Contents

Agenda  |  Speaker Bios  |  Committee

Click Here for the Agenda and Session Descriptions!

2024 Agenda

Speaker Bios

Barry Horn Jr. currently serves as the Manager of Organizational Development at Lone Star College-System Office in The Woodlands. With a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Texas Tech University and a Master's degree in Counseling and Development from Lamar University, he strategically fosters a positive learning culture among staff, faculty, and students. Barry's expertise includes utilizing CliftonStrengths® and leading various initiatives, such as leading the Mentoring Program at Lone Star College-Houston North, developing GRACE-a community-building framework, and has directed the Academic Success Program for students on academic probation and suspension at Lone Star College-North Harris. Through these experiences, he found the importance of taking a holistic approach to culture and cultivating community as vital to organizational development. He is also a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate and uses this knowledge to promote well-being and self-care among Lone Star College employees. Barry's servant leadership and dedication inspire positive change within the college and the community.

Marc Fontaine is serving as the Manager, Learning and Development at Lone Star College where he is responsible for creating and facilitating professional development workshops for staff and faculty. He has extensive experience in leading employee development teams throughout the Oil and Gas industry and higher education. Marc is a certified career management coach and a Gallup-Certified Strengths coach. He holds a B.S. in engineering from Texas A&M University and is a longtime resident of The Woodlands. 

Alexander Mai is a proud University of Houston graduate, holding a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering Technology. Over the past 12 years, I have embarked on a fulfilling journey at Lone Star College. Beginning as a Client Technology 2, I have progressed to my current role as the Director of Campus Services at the Houston North campus. In my capacity as a customer service representative within the Information Technology domain, I am unwaveringly committed to delivering exceptional service to every individual I encounter. My personal mission revolves around cultivating enduring relationships through effective communication, empathy, and a profound understanding of others' needs. I am devoted to removing obstacles for everyone, consistently striving to leave a positive impact on each interaction. I firmly believe in the power of continuous improvement, constantly honing my skills and expanding my knowledge to offer the best possible service. 

Dr. Sean Tiffee earned his Ph. D. at the University of Texas in Rhetoric and Language. He has taught at Lone Star College-Tomball since 2012 and his courses include Interpersonal Communication, Public Speaking, Business and Professional Communication, Introduction to Communication Studies, and Argumentation and Debate. He is also one of the coaches of Lone Star’s National Model United Nations team and will talk your ear off about horror movies, Longhorn football, or both.

Lisa Davis has been a Faculty Counselor at Lone Star College-Tomball for sixteen years. During her tenure at LSC-T, she has developed and managed various programs to support the academic, personal, and career goals of students. Lisa received her undergraduate degree from Southern University at New Orleans and her master’s degree from Texas Southern University. Lisa is also a PhD (ABD) from West Virginia University. She also completed an APA-accredited Doctoral Internship at the University of Akron. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. Lisa has experience working with children, teens, and adults. She has clinical experience in various areas including private practice, college counseling centers, children in foster care, and teletherapy. She has experience teaching various psychology courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. Lisa is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), American Counseling Association (ACA), and the National Association for Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment (NABITA). She also co-leads an Advocate for Social Justice Program Initiative with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc (Xi Alpha Omega Chapter). Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, friends, sorority (AKA), and her dog, Buddy!

René Arnold serves as the Director of LSC CORE (LSC CORE (Commitment to Online Resources and Equity), LSC’s Quality Enhancement Plan. She has been part of the Lone Star College system since 2016 as adjunct faculty for EDUC 1300 First Year Experience and then full-time as the Professional Development Coordinator for Diversity Initiatives at LSC-Tomball. She continues as an adjunct for First Year Experience, Human Resources, and Workplace Diversity courses. Before joining Lone Star, René worked in various industries and has executive experience in human resources, institutional advancement, operations management, and community relations and development. René is a Gallup® Certified Strengths Coach. Her contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion work include successfully co-developing and facilitating a DEI Certification program at LSC-Tomball. René finds it motivating and refreshing to work for an organization where accessible training, a focus on equity, and a positive culture are valued and incorporated into the work environment. René believes it is essential to explore ourselves because understanding our values and strengths is the ultimate key to having a successful life. “Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.” – Anne Sweeney.  

Donielle Miller is the Executive Director of Analytics and Communication in the Office of Culture and Engagement. With a background in marketing, special events, student affairs, program development, training, and assessment, she has held various roles at the University of Houston and Sam Houston State University. She joined Lone Star College-Tomball in 2017 as a Director in the College Relations department. Later, she served as the Interim Director for Diversity and Inclusion and the Title V Grant Project Director. She is currently completing her doctoral studies at Abilene Christian University, where her research focuses on the development of emerging administrators and executive leaders using CliftonStrengths as the primary tool. 

Kayla Almaguer (pronounced ‘Al-muh-gair’), currently works as an English Assistant Professor and AI Faculty Fellow at Lone Star College-Tomball. Pursuing her second master's in Clinical Mental Health at Lamar University, she holds her passion for helping others above all. Rather than preach AI as a cure all, Kayla seeks instead to be a part of building the bridge between artificial intelligence and enhancing quality of life by offering AI Education consultations to help develop human-centered, AI-informed training and curricula. With the increasing use of AI in education, Kayla is working to ensure that technology serves humanity, not the other way around. 

Dr. Darlene Luce currently serves as the Manager of Professional Development and Educational Services at Lone Star College-North Harris. In this capacity, she is responsible for providing pedagogical and professional development support to campus faculty, staff, and administration to enhance their success and growth as professionals. Prior to taking over this role, she served as the Assistant to the President at the North Harris Campus since 2013. Luce earned her Ed.D. in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University in 2022 and holds a Master of Business from Texas A & M University. 

Ginger Fray is a Professor of English at LSC-Tomball, the current Tomball Faculty Senate President, and is the recipient of multiple awards including the Faculty Excellence Award, Impact Award, and Diversity Award. Along with her duties as Faculty Senate President, she teaches primarily Composition and Rhetoric courses but has been an integral part of the Co-Reg English model since 2017 for which she developed an online curriculum and continues to provide support for Co-Req instructors. In addition to mentoring both Tomball faculty and students, she serves on numerous Lone Star College committees, at the system and campus level, including the Faculty Development Advisory Committee, Innovation Symposium Committee, Annual Course Schedule Committee, Strategies for VR in the Classroom, and the System-wide Syllabus Tool Committee. Moreover, she co-chairs the English panel session at the annual TCCTA convention and also regularly attends and presents professional development workshops both locally and state-wide.  

Committee

• Gracia Talbott: Chair 
• Lee Shorter: Co-chair 
• Racquel Arceneaux: Co-chair
• Alexandria Cuellar
• Laurie Taylor
• Terri Garcia
• Jennifer Javier 
• Mishell Umana
• Maegan Meeker
• Special Thanks to Kentrie LeDee, Wendy Palmgren, Brandon Thornhill, and Jefferey Rodriguez

For more information on HEAPCON, contact Gracia Talbott at gracia.talbott@lonestar.edu. 

Back to Top