The 25^th Biennial AMS/AGU Heads & Chairs Meeting will consist of two virtual events: Monday, September 28^th, 2026 and Monday, October 19^th, 2026. In line with past meetings, both sessions provide opportunities for those within leadership positions within their programs, departments, and institutions to collectively discuss issues facing higher education in the earth and atmospheric sciences. Furthermore, with both events being fully virtual and free to attend, we invite all colleagues throughout the AMS, AGU, UCAR, NCAR and adjacent communities to join the discussion! You do not need to be a “head” or “chair” of a department or organization to participate!

 

What topics will be discussed this year?

This year’s theme is, Taking a Bulldozer to How We Prepare Students for Success in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Shifting Financial Priorities

The agenda includes information about both virtual sessions, with each session covering two topics of interest to the atmospheric sciences/meteorology community.  Sessions will be a mix of guest presenters with ample time for community discussion within virtual breakout rooms.  The goal is for everyone to leave each session with action items they can consider within their positions moving forward.  The topics covered throughout both sessions for this meeting include the following:

• Navigating atmospheric sciences/meteorology undergraduate and graduate programming during significant changes to the federal funding landscape
• AI/ML within the atmospheric sciences/meteorology - discussion on best practices for AI/ML use within educational settings
• Communicating the value of the atmospheric sciences/meteorology to the general public
• Modernizing the atmospheric sciences/meteorology curriculum to be competitive in today and tomorrow’s digital economy

 

Who can participate in this Heads & Chairs Meeting? 

This meeting is open to anyone within the atmospheric sciences/meteorology community, including colleagues tied to AMS, AGU, UCAR, NCAR and any other organizations associated with these communities.  Registration is free!

 

How do I register?

If interested in joining the discussion, please fill out this registration survey here. Once you have completed the registration form, please keep an eye out for a follow-up email that will include any virtual links needed to participate.

 

The 2026 AMS/AGU Heads and Chairs Meeting Planning Committee

AMS (Board on Higher Education): Zachary Handlos (BHE chair), Esther Mullens (incoming BHE chair), Wendilyn Flynn (past BHE chair), Samuel Shen, Elinor Martin, Alicia Klees, Sara Strey, Kevin Bowley, Katelyn Barber, Casey Davenport

AMS Education & Engagement Commissioner: Wendy Abshire

UCAR: Ashanti Edwards, Billy Williams, Aneka Erhart