Welcome to the 2026 AACE Winter Workshop Page! This webpage will provide you with all the necessary information and updates related to the workshop. We appreciate your interest in attending, and we look forward to seeing you there. For additional information or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at office@aaceal.com.
Registration cost for this event is $50.
Winter Workshop Information:
The 2026 Winter Workshop will be hosted at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL.
700 Pelham Rd N
Merrill Hall, Room 300
Jacksonville, AL 36265.
Parking Lot Map
Thursday, January 29, 2026 – Welcome Networking Event
The Apothecary,7 Public Sq E, Jacksonville, AL 36265
🎶 Live Music | $15 Drink Ticket |
6:00 PM – AACE Networking Social
Kick off the 2026 Winter Workshop with an evening of networking, karaoke, and great conversation!
Please note in your registration if you plan to attend the Thursday evening social.
Friday, January, 30, 2026 – Half Day Workshop
Agenda:
Merrill Hall, Room 300 (Seats 70)
☕ Networking Lounge available all day for informal conversation
8:30 – 9:00 AM – Check-In & Morning Coffee
Grab a light breakfast and network with colleagues before the day begins.
Breakfast and Coffee Sponsored by Redstone Federal Credit Union.
9:00 – 9:15 AM – Welcome & Kickoff
Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost, Jacksonville State University
9:15 – 9:30 AM – AACE Updates
Sherry Leigh Farquhar, AACE President
9:30 – 10:30 AM – Workshop: “AI in the Classroom and Across Campus”
Presenter: Dr. Asim Ali, Auburn University
About the Presenter:
Asim Ali, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of the Biggio Center at Auburn University, where he advances professional development programs and resources to enhance instructional innovation and support scholarly and creative activities. Prior to this role, he served as Founding Director of Auburn Online. Dr. Ali earned a bachelor’s in software engineering, a master’s in information systems management, and a doctorate in adult education with research focused on self-directed and technology-enhanced learning. Dr. Ali co-leads work on artificial intelligence to build capacity for understanding and implementing AI. He has modeled the implementation of generative AI in the Introduction to Information Systems Management course he teaches for the Harbert College of Business. Dr. Ali also co-leads innovative initiatives for microcredentials, augmented and virtual reality, and skills articulation. He has been an invited keynote speaker and presenter nationally and internationally at conferences and universities.
Session Focus:
Explore how AI is transforming teaching, learning, communication, and campus collaboration, with practical examples from Auburn University.
10:30 – 10:45 AM – Break
10:45 – 11:35 AM – Panel: Building Successful Co-op & Internship Pathways — Campus–Employer Perspectives
Learn how co-op and internship programs operate from both the college and employer viewpoint. Panelists will discuss program structures, expectations, communication strategies, and best practices for developing strong, mutually beneficial partnerships.
11:35 – 11:55 AM – Roundtable with Experts
Open discussion with panelists and campus partners. Participants will engage directly at each table to ask in-depth questions and explore practical strategies for co-op and internship programs, career services, and campus–employer partnerships.
11:55 AM – 12:00 PM – Wrap-Up & Closing Reflections
12:00 – 1:00 PM – Networking Lunch (Merrill Hall Lounge)
Enjoy lunch and informal networking before departure.
Lunch sponsored by Fastenal.
Hotel Information:
The hotel group rate option is at the following location:
Hampton Inn by Hilton
1401 JD-L Dr SW
Jacksonville, AL 36265
Group Rates: $119 (plus 11% tax and $2 CVB fee per night)
Dates for Group Rates: Reserved for January 29th
A block of 15 rooms has been reserved for our group. Additional rooms may be added once the initial block is filled.
Booking Details:
- Reservation Deadline: December 29, 2025
- Check-In: 3:00 PM
- Check-Out: 11:00 AM (Late check-out may incur additional fees)
- Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are free up to 48 hours before arrival. Late cancellations will be charged a fee.
- How to Book: Call the hotel directly and mention you are with the Alabama Association of Colleges and Employers (AACE) group to receive the special rate.
- If its booked after deadline, regular price is applied
Included Amenities
Complimentary parking, including space for large or commercial vehicles
Full Hampton Hot Breakfast
High-speed internet access
Outdoor pool (seasonal)
The Alabama Association of Colleges and Employers is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.
The AACE 2026 Winter Workshop includes over 2 hours of focused instructional content relevant to professional development in higher education, career services, and campus–employer collaboration:
- 9:30 – 10:30 AM: Workshop — AI in the Classroom and Across Campus (1 hour)
- 10:45 – 11:35 AM: Panel — Building Successful Co-op & Internship Pathways (50 minutes)
- 11:35 – 11:55 AM: Roundtable Discussion with Experts (20 minutes)
Total Instructional Time: ~2 hours 10 minutes
This program is valid for 2 CEUs/ PDCs for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification.