Dr. Marvalene Hughes Leadership Conference 2026

The Dr. Marvalene Hughes Student Leadership Conference is a one-day conference for Stan State students to learn about developing and cultivating leadership skills from featured speakers and various breakout sessions. The conference is open to all students from Stanislaus State. 

The theme of the conference is "Reflect. Empower. Belong. Connect" and offers:
 • A keynote address by a featured guest speaker and campus leadership.
 • Three information-packed tracks you can choose for your breakout sessions.
 • Unique networking prep and practice session.

The conference focuses on the many ways you can grow and develop your leadership skills and provides opportunities for you to use those skills in service to the community. Breakout session themes include:
 • You Reflect: Understand the importance of self-reflection as a tool for personal and professional growth. 
 • You Empower: Evaluate the impact of empowerment on individual and collective well-being and success.
 • You Belong: Embracing diversity and inclusion as a leader.
 • You Connect: Explore the role of networking and relationship-building in career development and personal growth.

The annual conference, celebrating its sixth year, is named for Dr. Marvalene Hughes, president emerita of Stanislaus State, who led the University for 11 years and retired in 2005.