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Development Day 2026

DEVELOPMENT DAY 2025

Thanks for joining us for our 5th Annual Development Day!

The first half of the event was held in person at the LBJ Grand Ballroom and was also streamed live via Zoom for those who chose to attend virtually. Session resources can be found below.

DevDay2026_Agenda (PDF, 99.6KB)

2026 Development Day Keynote Speaker

Patrick Terry Headshot

Patrick Terry

Patrick Terry, along with his wife, Kathy, founded P. Terry’s Burger Stand in July 2005 at the corner of South Lamar Boulevard and Barton Springs Road in Austin, Texas. As the first restaurant in Austin to offer all-natural beef and chicken along with hand-cut French fries, P. Terry’s quickly established itself as an alternative to regular fast-food fare.

Today, P. Terry’s operates 38 locations across the Austin, San Antonio, and Houston metro areas, with Houston as the company's current focus for expansion.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Patrick began his career in advertising at Tracy-Locke/BBDO, later returning to Austin in 1985 as Director of the Texas Sesquicentennial Commission, where he supervised Texas’ 150th birthday in 1986. Before opening P. Terry’s, he created Rizano’s Italian restaurant, which had two locations and was sold in 1993.

Development Day Speakers

Learn more about this year’s Development Day speakers and the sessions they will lead, including their backgrounds and expertise.

Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Dr. Timmerman grew up in Milwaukee and is a graduate of UW-Milwaukee’s 
communication department. She earned her BA and MA there, and then 
moved to Austin, where she earned her doctorate from the University of 
Texas. She loved living in Austin, but was also excited to return home after 
earning her PhD, when she was magically reunited with my family, friends, 
and UWM.  
 
After spending 17 years back in Milwaukee, she once again made 
the cross-country trek to Texas! Dr. Timmerman started her new position at 
Texas State University in Fall 2017, and is enjoying this new adventure.
Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Lt. David Yebra

David Yebra serves as the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Veterans Officer at Lone Star College. A graduate of the United States Military Academy with a BS in Civil Engineering Management, retired U.S. Army officer, and former Director of the Training and Leader Development Division for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, he is a nationally respected leader in veteran support, leadership development, and organizational strategy. Yebra brings more than 35 years of experience across military, higher education, and public service, and has designed nationally recognized leadership development programs at Sam Houston State University. He holds a master’s degree in counseling and Leader Development from Long Island University.
Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Kat Masters

Kat Masters, M.Ed., serves as the Assistant Director for Event Services at Texas State University’s LBJ Student Center. In her role, she oversees event planning operations, reservation management, and client experience for a wide range of campus and community events. Kat has worked at Texas State University for nearly nine years and is actively involved in the Association of College Unions International (ACUI), currently serving on the 2027 Annual Conference Programming Team. She is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging experiences and helping others navigate event planning processes with confidence and creativity.
Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Val Johnson

Valene (Val) Johnson is a Coordinator in the  LBJSC Event Services office, with over a decade of experience at Texas State University. A proud Bobcat, she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from our institution; she was also a Spring 2025 cohort member of the TXST Leadership Academy.  Valene began her career in advising and administrative assistant roles before transitioning into her current position, where she specializes in supporting event logistics, outdoor spaces, and student employee supervision. She has volunteered at and attended previous Development Days, but this is her first time as a presenter.

Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Madyson Flint

Madyson Flint is the Career Exploration Coordinator and a University Seminar Instructor at Texas State, where she leads first‑year career exploration initiatives. She has developed programs such as the Career Success Toolkit, the Major & Career Exploration Theme Community, and the Career Champion Network – launching this Fall. Previously, she served as the Career Educator for the College of Liberal Arts and has been active on the Career Services Staff Development Committee – planning team retreats and staff morale and connection initiatives – since 2022. Madyson holds a B.A. in Communication Honors from Texas A&M University and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University. Her background includes roles in nonprofit communications and across higher education, including residence life, academic advising, and student orgs. She lives in the San Antonio area with her husband, Dalton, their daughter, Valerie, and their Vizsla, Rooney.
Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Jessica Alva

Jessica Alva is the Career Experiences Coordinator in Career Services at Texas State University, where she develops programming and resources focused on student employment and career readiness, and oversees the university’s job shadowing program. Her work focuses on creating initiatives that empower student employees to recognize their transferable career skills while equipping staff and faculty supervisors with strategies to better support and mentor their students’ professional development. She is also an active member of her office’s Staff Development Committee, contributing to initiatives that support staff connection, engagement, and growth. Jessica holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice with a minor in Social Work from Texas State University. Her professional background includes experience in nonprofit and higher education settings, with a strong focus on student success and career development. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her high school sweetheart, Diego, and their pitbull mix, Ty.
Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Danielle Waddell

Danielle administers educational support programs and facilitates diverse avenues for professional growth, contributing to a culture of continuous learning. Her commitment aligns perfectly with Texas State's emphasis on nurturing both professional and personal development among its staff and faculty.
Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Amy Beck

Amy Beck, M.A., has directed an Academic Advising Center at Texas State for the past 30 years.  She enjoys working with a staff that welcomes various viewpoints and is willing to question the status quo. She values the lives of the students that she touches; they add meaning to her life.    
Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Elise Decker

Elise Decker is the Assistant Director of Admissions Processing for Undergraduate Admissions at Texas State University and a proud longtime Bobcat. She oversees international admissions, residency determination, customer service operations, and staff training initiatives for the team behind the scenes, as well as processing applications and admissions documents. Elise is passionate about creating supportive, student-centered processes for both students and staff.
Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Veronica Maldonado

Veronica Maldonado is a Student Business Specialist at Texas State University, where she has proudly served for nearly seven years within Student Business Services. In her role, Veronica supports students, faculty, and staff with financial processes related to enrollment, billing, and account services. She specializes in student billing for employees, helping faculty and staff understand tuition charges, payment options, and the employee waiver program. As both a professional and a student, Veronica brings a unique perspective to her work. Currently enrolled in the Accounting program at Texas State University, she actively utilizes the employee staff waiver herself and understands firsthand the value it provides in supporting continued education. Her personal experience allows her to connect with others and provide practical, relatable guidance. Veronica is passionate about making financial processes clear and accessible, ensuring employees feel confident navigating their educational benefits while balancing their careers. Outside of work and school, Veronica is a dedicated wife and proud mom of two girls. She and her family also enjoy life with their two beloved fur babies, who keep things lively at home.
Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Siana Hardman

Siana Hardman is a Louisiana Native who found her home with TXST in 2020. Working with Undergraduate Admissions, she has recruited across Texas and the Southeast United States. She is also very active in local, state, & national Higher Education organizations. She has a passion for access to Higher Education and currently serves as the Associate Director - Outreach for TXST Admissions.
Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Alicia Barthel

Alicia manages the Talent Acquisition team, supports the strategic development of community partnerships, and assists in creating talent pipelines to secure a strong talent pool. She supports applicant tracking, career fairs, and employment eligibility verifications. Alicia is working on an MSIS with a focus on Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies at TXST.
Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Christine Gramlick

Christine Gramlick is a Principal Customer Success Manager at LinkedIn for LinkedIn Learning, based in Chicago. She has been at LinkedIn for 7 years.  Before LinkedIn, she worked in higher education technology at DePaul University for 18 years.  During that time, she worked as a Lynda.com admin, LMS admin, IT trainer, and IT manager.  She is passionate about Customer Service and providing her clients with the best experience possible. Connect with Christine on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/christinegramlick
Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Katherine Atkins

Katherine Atkins is the Coordinator of Leadership Development Programs at Texas State University and has been serving the institution since November 2025.  Katherine has facilitated over 250 leadership development workshops for the past three and a half years and is excited to share their passion for leadership development and community engagement with you all. Katherine's areas of focus are organizational leadership, individual development, and strength-based goal setting.
Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Dr. Bruce Westfield

Dr. Bruce is responsible for facilitating leadership and personal development workshops, delivering customized consulting services, and educating ComPsych clients on the GuidanceResources® program.  He has extensive experience equipping leaders and organizations in areas such as professional development, workplace personality dynamics, and team building. 
 
A certified member of the John Maxwell Leadership team, Dr. Bruce has designed and led workshops, training courses, and mastermind groups for diverse audiences.  He is also a United States Navy veteran, having served aboard the USS Nimitz.
Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Eric Antens

As a ComPsych® senior training consultant, Eric brings over 30 years of experience in behavioral health and group facilitation to the Learning and Organizational Excellence department. He is an impactful trainer who clients describe as engaging, passionate, knowledgeable, and funny. Eric is a sought-after subject matter expert in areas including stress, conflict, trauma, communication, workplace violence, addiction, and wellness. 
 
Eric joined ComPsych® 12 years ago, and in that time, he has authored dozens of training programs and facilitated hundreds. He has provided expert consultation to diverse clients, including police cybercrime units, hospital emergency department staff, human resources employee relations teams, and fire departments, among others. Before ComPsych®, Eric worked for over 20 years as a behavioral health clinician in a variety of settings, including hospitals, substance abuse facilities, child protective services, and his own private counseling practice specializing in trauma survivors and their families. 
 
Eric obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies from the University of Illinois. He earned a master’s in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois Institute of Professional Psychology and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
Dr. Lindsay Timmerman

Paul Erickson

Paul is a training consultant for ComPsych®, where he delivers and creates workshops on topics such as stress management, relationship building, and personal development.
 
Paul has 25 years’ experience in training development and delivery, with a focus on helping employees deal with change. During that time, Paul delivered enterprise technology implementation training for two of the top companies in the training outsourcing industry. He also provided training for multiple bank mergers. Paul has a degree from Valparaiso University and has served as a graduate assistant for Dale Carnegie Training.
 
Clients describe Paul’s presentation style as “warm,” “engaging,” and “empathetic.” He is an experienced facilitator who has trained hundreds of classes for a wide variety of learners, from affluent financial advisors to recent high school graduates. Paul is the author of five published novels.

Session Descriptions

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  • Presented by Dr. Lindsay Timmerman
    This session will equip employees with practical communication tools for navigating challenging workplace conversations with greater confidence and clarity. Whether speaking with supervisors, peers, or direct reports, participants will explore what makes conversations feel “difficult,” why people often avoid them, and how avoidance can impact relationships, teamwork, and progress. Using a simple and approachable framework—prepare, initiate, discuss, and close—this session provides real-world strategies for handling high-stakes moments with professionalism, respect, and emotional awareness. Attendees will leave better prepared to communicate effectively, feel heard and respected, and turn tension-filled conversations into opportunities for collaboration, understanding, and positive outcomes.

  • Presented by Lt. David Yebra
    This session will explore the power of leadership beyond formal titles or supervisory roles. Designed for individual contributors across Texas State University, this session highlights how everyday actions, attitudes, communication, and relationships shape workplace culture, support student success, and advance the university’s mission. Participants will discover practical, approachable ways to lead from where they are by building trust, solving problems collaboratively, serving others, and positively influencing their teams and campus community. Attendees will leave empowered to recognize their own leadership potential and equipped with concrete strategies to make a meaningful impact in any role.

  • Presented by Kat Masters and Val Johnson 

    This session will provide Texas State employees with a practical guide to planning successful campus events from start to finish. Designed for staff and faculty coordinating meetings, workshops, conferences, celebrations, or special events, this session walks participants through the reservation process, important timelines, campus policies, and event support resources available through LBJ Event Services. Attendees will learn how to navigate Mazevo reservations, determine the right space for their event, understand approval requirements for vendors and external guests, and avoid common planning mistakes that can delay or complicate event execution. With helpful tips, real-world examples, and planning best practices, participants will leave feeling more confident, organized, and prepared to create smooth, compliant, and engaging events at TXST.

  • Presented by Madyson Flint and Jessica Alva
    Are you responsible for planning retreats, professional development sessions, or team-building activities? Looking for fresh ways to boost morale and strengthen relationships within your department? Maybe you’re feeling burnt out and hoping to reintroduce some spark into your work. Join us to discuss how Career Services uses its Staff Development Committee – our very own “Party Planning Committee” – to create fun, social experiences for our staff throughout the year. From themed celebrations and casual social hours to shared breakfasts and two annual team retreats, this group works to build connections, promote shared learning, and boost motivation. This interactive session invites you to swap ideas, share wins, and hear from colleagues across the university. Together, we’ll look at how intentional staff development can build stronger teams and contribute to higher productivity, a deeper sense of belonging, a more positive workplace culture, more open communication, and increased initiative and ownership.

  • Presented by Danielle Waddell, Elise Decker, Amy Beck, Siana Hardman, Veronica Maldonado

    “Employee Education 101” is a practical, step-by-step session designed to help Texas State employees navigate the process of starting or continuing their educational journey while working at the university. Whether participants are first-time students, transfer students, returning learners, or degree completers, this session provides a clear overview of the resources, offices, and support programs available to help them succeed. Attendees will learn how to apply to TXST, explore degree options, connect with academic advisors, understand transfer credit processes, and utilize employee educational support benefits such as tuition assistance and financial aid resources. Through collaboration with campus partners across Admissions, Advising, Transfers, and Human Resources, participants will leave with a better understanding of how to take the next step toward their academic and professional goals at TXST.

  • Presented by Alicia Barthel
    Hiring is one of the most important leadership responsibilities at Texas State University, shaping team effectiveness, workplace culture, and institutional reputation. This session reframes hiring as a strategic, values-driven process by guiding participants through defining role needs, establishing meaningful qualifications, creating effective postings, forming ethical search committees, and conducting competency-based behavioral interviews using the STAR method. Attendees will also learn best practices for reference checks and candidate communication to ensure a respectful, transparent process that strengthens TXST’s employer brand and supports its goal of becoming an employer of choice.

  • Presented by Christine Gramlick
    As AI reshapes the modern learning landscape, people are seeking practical, human-centered ways to integrate AI responsibly and effectively. This session explores how LinkedIn Learning’s evolving AI capabilities—such as personalized recommendations, skill-based insights, and adaptive learning pathways—can support more intentional, learner-focused upskilling. We will introduce the AI Pyramid Upskilling Framework, a simple and actionable model that helps institutions and teams understand how to build AI literacy progressively: from foundational awareness, to guided application, to strategic integration that enhances skills without replacing human judgment. Participants will learn how to use the framework to identify skill gaps, design development pathways, and empower learners to use AI tools ethically and confidently. The session emphasizes practical examples, implementation strategies, and opportunities to incorporate AI thoughtfully.

  • Presented by Katherine Atkins
    True Colors is an attempt to identify various personality styles and label them with colors. True Colors provides participants with their natural personality traits and tendencies. Workshop participants will use true colors to understand how they show up in group dynamics and learn to use the four colors to work harmoniously with others.

  • Presented by Compsych

    When an employee’s behavior directly affects service or safety, leaders need to act immediately. This session equips leaders with practical tools to deliver feedback in the moment as teams serve customers, assist patients, or handle high-stakes interactions. Participants will learn how to build accountability without conflict and inspire immediate improvement. Highly relevant for leaders in fast-paced environments such as retail, healthcare, and manufacturing, this session shows how timely feedback can elevate team performance, engagement, and trust.

  • Presented by Compsych

    Are your media consumption habits helping you make good decisions, or are they making you sick? The news and social media are significant sources of stress and anxiety for many people. Participating in social media discussions, reading newspapers, following your favorite political pundits, and watching election news on TV can help you feel informed and engaged. If you’re not careful, however, you may use media in unhealthy ways that make you feel worse. This training can help you implement healthy media consumption habits that don’t damage your mental and physical well-being.

  • Presented by Compsych

    Organizations are investing in benefits to improve employee well-being and taking on initiatives to foster a culture of well-being in the workplace. However, many employees still feel that their job is an obstacle to their well-being rather than a help. What can you do as a manager to shift that perception? This session will discuss practical ways to show employees that you and your organization support their well-being.

Session Recordings