From July 9 to 11, the University of Maryland and the Do Good Institute (DGI) at the School of Public Policy proudly welcomed nonprofit educators, scholars and practitioners from around the country to the 2025 Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC) Conference. Held at Thurgood Marshall Hall, this convening brought together diverse voices committed to advancing the fields of nonprofit and philanthropic education.
Guided by the theme “Embracing Resilience: Nonprofit & Philanthropic Education Responds to Contextual Changes,” the conference explored how institutions and educators are adapting to a rapidly shifting social, political and technological environment. Programming focused on five thematic tracks:
- Embracing Change
- Fostering Resilience
- Building Consensus
- Technology and Innovation
- Teaching Pedagogy and Best Practices
More than 25 sessions, panels and roundtable discussions offered space for attendees to share insights, question norms and build actionable strategies. Topics ranged from building resilient communities to leading people and embracing change.
In addition to being this year’s hosting sponsor, the Do Good Institute contributed substantively to the academic conversation. DGI staff and faculty members participated in featured sessions, sharing insights from UMD’s nationally recognized model for experiential learning and student-led social impact.
Notable sessions led by our faculty included:
- A panel moderated by James Stillwell, Associate Clinical Professor and Faculty Director for Do Good Campus, on “Inclusive and Experiential Learning for Social Impact,” featuring:
- Signe Bell: Director of Nonprofit Programs and Lead Policy Scientist, University of Delaware
- Angela R. Logan: Teaching Professor, Management & Organization and the St. Andre Bessette Academic Director of the Master of Nonprofit Administration at Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame
- Cullen Merritt: Associate Professor, Research Director at Institute for Public Leadership, University of Maryland
- Genevieve Shaker: Professor, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Indiana University Indianapolis
- A moderated keynote session from Nathan Dietz, Research Professor & Director of Research, on “Academic Anchors in a Changing Sector: Partnering for Nonprofit and Philanthropic Innovation,” featuring:
- Millicent Boykin: Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at OneStar Foundation
- Vanessa Diamond: Executive Vice President of Global Networks & Nonprofit Programs at Points of Light
- Carmen Marshall: Interim President & CEO at Maryland Nonprofits
- Akilah Watkins: President & CEO at Independent Sector
This conference reaffirmed the importance of bridging theory and practice. The conversations we had here will ripple far beyond UMD, influencing how we teach, engage students and prepare the next generation of changemakers.Nathan Dietz, Research Professor & Director of Research, Do Good Institute
From breakout sessions to hallway conversations, the energy throughout the conference was one of shared purpose and renewed commitment. Higher education and nonprofit professionals engaged in meaningful dialogue on building a resilient sector, one prepared to meet both the challenges and opportunities of the future.
We are so grateful to the Do Good Institute for hosting the biennial NACC Conference. It has been a wonderful opportunity in the midst of all that’s going on in our local communities, within our states, across the nation and in the world, to be able to come together with colleagues from academic centers and programs to discuss ideas, reinvigorate ourselves and also remember that we are called to do great work, to inspire and empower the next generation of nonprofit leaders.Angela R. Logan, NACC President, Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame
A special thank you to Nicole Collier, Executive Director of NACC, and the NACC Conference Committee for their leadership and dedication: Nathan Dietz (Chair, University of Maryland), Signe Bell (Co-Chair, University of Delaware), Genevieve Shaker (Indiana University), Angela Seaworth (Texas A&M University), and Lisa Dietlin (DePaul University).
I'll never forget the feedback I heard from one of our conference guests: 'Wow, walking around campus, I'm amazed at how the themes of Do Good are really embedded throughout the university.' This perspective came up unprompted multiple times from our visitors as a model they would like their institutions to follow. It really reaffirmed my sense that our Do Good Campus vision is a reality not just for all Terps, but is something other campuses are taking note of as well!James Stillwell, Associate Clinical Professor and Faculty Director for Do Good Campus