The Society for Advancement of Management (SAM) is proud to announce Dr. Felice D. Billups, Ed.D., Professor of Educational Leadership at Johnson & Wales University, as a Special Presenter for Educational Research & Measurement Day during the 2026 SAM International Business Conference, taking place March 16–21, 2026, at the New England Institute of Technology in Rhode Island.
Dr. Billups brings decades of experience as both a higher education leader and a respected researcher in organizational theory, culture, and qualitative research methodologies. Her work bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping professionals understand the dynamics that shape leadership, institutional behavior, and learning environments. As a faculty member in the Educational Leadership doctoral program at JWU, she serves practitioners pursuing careers in higher education and leadership, inspiring the next generation of administrators, researchers, and change agents.
Before joining Johnson & Wales University, Dr. Billups held senior administrative positions in strategic planning, institutional effectiveness, accreditation, and academic program review. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to building stronger educational systems through collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and innovative leadership.
Her scholarship has been widely published, including her acclaimed book Qualitative Data Collection Tools: Design, Development, & Applications (Sage Publications), and her recent contributions to School Leadership for Learning: Learning Theory to Improve Professional Practice (Top Hat Publishers). Dr. Billups continues to advance the field of qualitative inquiry through publications in the NERA Researcher and the International Journal of Qualitative Methods, showcasing her deep expertise in research design and methodology.
Educational Research & Measurement Day will take place on Friday, March 20, 2026, as part of SAM’s ongoing collaboration with the Northeastern Educational Research Association (NERA). This special program will unite educators, researchers, and professionals for a day focused on innovation, evidence-based practice, and the evolving landscape of educational assessment. Dr. Billups will serve as a featured voice in this program, sharing her perspective on leadership, organizational culture, and research in higher education.
Attendees can participate in this exclusive day of collaboration at a $125.00 day rate, which includes access to all Friday sessions, networking events, and the featured presentations.
SAM looks forward to welcoming Dr. Billups and our NERA partners to Rhode Island for this exciting event. The 2026 SAM International Business Conference promises a week of learning, innovation, and leadership development for professionals, students, and educators alike.
Join us in Rhode Island for this special event. Register for the full conference now at www.samnational.org/conference. You can also register just for Educational Research & Measurement Day by visiting www.samnational.org/NERA2026