Each year, the Original Lilly Conference on College Teaching reflects current topics, areas of interest, and major themes in teaching and learning. It’s one of the reasons the popular conference has endured for 45 years.

Another reason is the ability to blend teaching with connection and the common goal of helping students learn. The 45th edition of the Original Lilly Conference, to be held Nov. 19-21 at Miami University’s Armstrong Student Center, features plenary speakers focused on the ever-evolving subject of artificial intelligence, as well as workshops, sessions, and discussions designed to energize and encourage reflection across diverse topics on scholarly teaching.

“It’s always a joy to see it all come together with the work of this great team here,” said Gregg Wentzell, director of the conference and assistant director of Miami’s Center for Teaching Excellence. “Everyone is united by a common cause. It’s a place where people can learn from each other about something they are passionate about. It’s a real recharge for them. It’s challenging work, but it’s work that is very important.”

More than 300 attendees are expected for this year’s edition, with anywhere from 120-150 coming from Miami’s ranks. Scholarships were available for Miami attendees, and Wentzell said all have been claimed, a good sign of local involvement and interest.

Two of those attendees are also plenary speakers. Miami’s Dennis Cheatham, associate professor of Graphic and Experience Design and director of the Miami Center for AI, and Heidi McKee, professor of English, will present “Always Human: Designing Teaching Futures in the Age of AI.”

Christine Harrington, professor in the Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership, and Policy at Morgan State University, will deliver “Lecturing Moves That Engage Students,” while Lynn Meade, teaching associate professor of Communication at the University of Arkansas, completes the plenary speaker lineup with “Building Self-Regulated Learners: Small Moments, Big Impact!”

“We strive to have a broad representation of renowned scholars from across the nation and even the world,” Wentzell said. “We do try to represent the good things that are happening on our campus. When someone has something important to say, really cutting-edge work that will appeal across the curriculum and across different disciplines, then we want to include it.

“Certainly what Dennis and Heidi are doing here, and the work going on right now at Miami with AI in the Majors and the new AI Center, is an opportunity for attendees to think about the implications for their own campuses.”

Wentzell is especially excited for two new additions to the 2026 conference. The first will be a game-show style event on Nov. 20. Wentzell said the exact details are under wraps, although conference registrants will be asked to supply answers on college teaching for use in a friendly competition.

The other new addition, held on Nov. 21 near the conclusion of the conference, is a “reflection and application luncheon” where attendees can plan changes to their teaching based on what they’ve learned throughout the three days.

“It’s a good way to end by helping them take their new-found inspiration back to their institution,” Wentzell said. “The luncheon will be interactive, and we’ll ask participants to talk to each other as they make plans for how they might put this learning to use.”

With more than 100 sessions spread over three days, Wentzell recognizes the extra efforts of the CTE team, employees of Armstrong Student Center, and Miami students who take time to do everything from drive shuttle vans to serve as session chairs.

“The on-campus conference location is a reminder of why we are here,” Wentzell said. “The students’ presence is a unique part of the Lilly experience. It’s just great to see this legacy here and the importance Miami places on excellence in teaching. It’s valued and celebrated. We want people to take away good memories and a lasting sense of value.”