Southeast Coastal Conference on Languages & Literatures

Southeast Coastal Conference on Languages & Literatures

April 10-11, 2025
Georgia Southern Armstrong Student Union
11935 Library Drive
Savannah, GA 31419

#SECCLL25 Call for Proposals is now open!


The Department of World Languages & Cultures would like to invite you to its Annual SouthEast Coastal Conference on Languages & Literatures (SECCLL). This conference includes topics in Arabic, Classics, French, German, East Asian languages, and Spanish, and studies of language, literature, culture, pedagogy, and film. SECCLL encourages the participation of Graduate students.

2025 SECCLL Keynote

Keeping World Languages Relevant through Innovative Pedagogies and Partnerships

Mary Risner, Ed.D.
Associate Director Outreach and
Business Programs

In today’s rapidly changing world, the need for forward-thinking and adaptability is crucial. As world language educators, it is more important than ever to come together to explore creative ways to demonstrate our value in the academy and beyond, yet also stay inspired as the educational landscape evolves in unprecedented and unpredictable directions. In this keynote session, I would like to reflect on a few points: 1) ways to engage students through innovative pedagogies in and outside of the classroom, 2) ways to build unique partnerships across disciplines and with organizations beyond our campuses, and finally, 3) ways to uplift ourselves and nurture our passion for languages and cultures through fulfilling professional development opportunities. Through collaborative efforts across languages, institutions, and professional associations, we can serve the needs of students to be prepared for personal and professional success in an increasingly complex world.

About the Keynote

Mary Risner has worked in a variety of educational and business contexts throughout her career. She is currently Associate Director of Outreach and Business programs at the University of Florida (UF) Center for Latin American Studies. At UF she develops and manages initiatives that infuse the study of world languages and area studies across the K-20 curriculum. Her interests are in the role of culture in international business and the integration of emerging technologies to develop intercultural competence and language skills for the workplace. Her most recent projects and research promote the integration of virtual exchange and Languages for Specific Purposes (LSP) to internationalize programs and better prepare students for personal and professional success through authentic learning experiences.


View the Conference Schedule

Last updated: 2/11/2025