Evelyn C. Robertson Jr. Conference of Excellence
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
UT Martin Ballroom
Registration will open March 11, 2025
Formerly known as the WestStar African American Leadership Conference, the Evelyn C. Robertson Jr. Conference of Excellence honors the legacy of a visionary leader while continuing to advance its founding mission. This conference serves as a vital platform for emerging and established leaders to connect, learn, and collaborate on solutions to strengthen West Tennessee communities.
The conference is named in honor of Evelyn C. Robertson Jr., a 1997 WestStar graduate who founded this important gathering and served as a dedicated board member since its inception. Mr. Robertson's distinguished career included leadership roles in healthcare as CEO of McNairy Regional Hospital, service with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, and appointments by three Tennessee governors to various state commissions.
Join us as we build on Mr. Robertson's vision of excellence in leadership, collective community building, and collaborative problem-solving. Through engaging sessions and networking opportunities, participants will gain valuable insights and forge partnerships that create new opportunities for all citizens of our region.
Women's Conference
Friday, February 7, 2025
University Center Ballroom, UT Martin
For information, please call 731-881-7298
WestStar 2025 Graduation Banquet
June 17, 2025
UT Martin Ballroom
FutureStar Youth Summit
Date to be determined soon
UT Martin, University Center
This is for 8th graders from “any” middle school (public/private) in West Tennessee. We hope their experience at the Summit would plant a “seed” for these students attending that would help them understand the personal value of an education and would spark a desire in them to attend college.
We are looking for students who “need the extra push” to reach their potential. These are students who may not have been on a college campus before, those who need extra support from home and those who need the extra encouragement for success. We are able to offer this “free of charge” with the financial support of WestStar alumni from that county that the child resides in. Sponsorship is $50 per child. WestStar suggests that each middle school select no more than two (2) students to attend. This will encourage higher interaction among the students from different schools. This will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Vaughn RisingStar Youth Summit
May 29-30, 2025
UT Martin
Registration will open March 10, 2025
This is for high school juniors from “any” high school (public/private) in West Tennessee. The purpose of the RisingStar Leadership Summit is to give student leaders across West Tennessee a chance to develop leadership skills and learn the importance of community involvement. The cost of the summit is $120 per student which covers hotel room, meals, and materials. WestStar suggests that each school select no more than two (2) students per high school to attend. This will encourage higher interaction among the students from different schools.