PBAF26: Leading Through Uncertainty: Hard Choices, Shared Purpose, and Institutional Progress

At a time when higher education faces mounting financial pressures and growing expectations, planning and budgeting have become exercises in balancing competing priorities rather than finding perfect solutions. Drawing on his experience leading the University of California, Riverside through years of transformational growth and significant institutional challenges, Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Kim Wilcox will share candid reflections on the difficult decisions, trade-offs, and leadership lessons that shaped his tenure. This keynote will offer an honest look at navigating uncertainty while remaining grounded in mission, along with an optimistic perspective on how thoughtful leadership, strategic planning, and a shared sense of purpose can position institutions to thrive.

This event is being streamed live from the 2026 Planning, Budgeting, and Analytics Forum in Coronado, CA (San Diego).

CPE Available: 7.5 Credits

Each individual must register and attend separately to earn credit.

NACUBO is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website www.nasbaregistry.org

Event Information

• Level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: Minimum 1-2 years of experience as a professional in higher education or a related private industry.
• Advanced Preparation: None
• Delivery Mode: Group internet based
• Fields of Study: Specialized Knowledge, Management Services, Finance, Information Technology, and Personal Development
• Length: 6 session blocks at 60 to 75 minutes each

Steps to Earn CPE Credit

CPE credit is awarded per session. You can only earn credit for attending a session live - CPE credit cannot be earned for watching the recordings.

To earn CPE credit, click the session name under the Schedule tab. On that session page, you will complete the following tasks under the Content tab, after the session has ended:

1. Pass the CPE codeword quiz. Write down the codewords posted in the Zoom chat at random times throughout the session and complete the quiz at the end of the session. 
2. Submit the CPE check-out code displayed at the end of the session. 
3. Download your CPE certificate. 

You have until 5 pm Eastern Time on Thursday, October 8, 2026 to complete these three steps or report technology issues with this site to [email protected].

For more detailed instructions, review the CPE Instructions page.