Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: What Business Schools Need to Know

This webinar will take place 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

The regulatory environment for higher education is evolving rapidly, with significant implications for business schools. This session will examine the latest federal policy and regulatory developments—including rules on graduate student loans, program accountability, the status of the Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) negotiated rulemaking, and Uniform Guidance updates affecting research grants. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how these changes may impact institutional strategy, operations, accreditation, and research, and leave better equipped to anticipate and respond to an evolving regulatory landscape.

Speakers 

 Alex Nock, Principal, Penn Hill Group

With more than 25 years of experience shaping federal education, disability, workforce, health, and social policy, Alex Nock is widely recognized as one of Washington’s leading education policy strategists. As a senior leader at Penn Hill Group, he advises clients on navigating Congress, the Administration, and national political campaigns, helping organizations advance policy priorities and strengthen engagement with policymakers and stakeholders. Nock has played a direct role in virtually every major federal education and disability policy debate of the past two decades. Prior to joining Penn Hill Group, he served as Democratic Deputy Staff Director for the U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor, overseeing policy development across K-12 and higher education, disability services, workforce development, health care, retirement security, workplace safety, and early childhood education. Throughout his Capitol Hill career, Nock helped lead the reauthorization and advancement of landmark legislation, including the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Higher Education Act, Workforce Investment Act, and Head Start Act. He also played key roles in passage of major reforms such as the Affordable Care Act and student aid modernization efforts. Known for his bipartisan leadership and deep policy expertise, Nock combines strategic insight, legislative acumen, and extensive government relationships to help organizations achieve meaningful policy outcomes and drive lasting impact.

 Carrie Summerlin, EVP and Chief Learning and Engagement Officer, AACSB International

As chief learning and engagement officer, Carrie Summerlin leads the learning and communications strategy for AACSB International, shaping how the global business education community accesses resources, connects, and engages. Her work encompasses the launch and expansion of AACSB’s Academy—a broadened learning portfolio designed to meet the evolving professional development needs of business educators and accreditation professionals worldwide—as well as the strategic repositioning of AACSB’s conference portfolio to deliver greater impact and relevance. She also champions elevating AACSB’s communications through technology-driven initiatives and brand enhancement, ensuring the organization’s voice and presence reflect the caliber of its global mission. Summerlin further collaborates across the organization to advance strategic partnerships, public relations, and advocacy efforts that strengthen AACSB’s influence and visibility within the global business education community.

Summerlin brings more than two decades of professional experience in association and nonprofit management, with expertise spanning membership, marketing, professional development, fundraising, academic engagement, and research.

Summerlin serves on the Board of Beta Gamma Sigma, the international business honor society closely affiliated with AACSB accreditation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Florida State University and a master’s degree in nonprofit management from the University of Central Florida. She is a Certified Nonprofit Professional, a member of the Florida Society of Association Executives, and has served on the advisory board of UCF’s Dixon School of Accounting.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact [email protected].