Adler University President Lisa Coleman, Ph.D., will give the keynote address at a luncheon on Friday, May 30, at 1 p.m. PDT, during the 73rd Annual Conference of the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology (NASAP), an event dedicated to advancing the study and application of Adlerian psychology. 

Dr. Coleman

The conference, taking place May 29–June 1, 2025 in Portland, Oregon, brings together professionals in education, psychology, psychiatry, counseling, social work, and community leadership to connect, learn, and explore new ideas through the lens of Adlerian Psychology. This year’s theme, “Connection, Community, and Contribution,” reflects core principles of Adlerian Psychology — and sets the stage for Dr. Coleman’s address on bold, transformative leadership. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn continuing education credits

“Alfred Adler was a breakaway thinker, challenging conventional wisdom to reshape our understanding of human behavior, well-being, and social responsibility,” said President Coleman, who joined Adler University in September 2024. “At Adler University, we continue that legacy by educating the next generation of breakaway thinkers — leaders who challenge the status quo, forge new paths, and drive meaningful change in their communities.”

In her keynote, Dr. Coleman will explore how individuals and institutions can foster cultures of innovation, collaboration, and impact. Drawing from her career spanning higher education, healthcare, and industry, she will highlight strategies for breaking barriers, cultivating leadership, and addressing complex societal challenges with courage and vision.

Before joining Adler University, Dr. Coleman served as the inaugural senior vice president for global inclusion and strategic innovation at New York University, where she led initiatives that advanced inclusive leadership, co-creation, and research-driven innovation. At Harvard University, she was the institution’s first chief diversity officer and special assistant to the president, developing pioneering initiatives at the intersection of technology and accessibility.

Over the past decades, she has amassed many achievements across higher education, health care, and industry and has been recognized nationally and internationally for her work with governmental systems, and for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

In addition to Dr. Coleman’s keynote, faculty, students, and alums from Adler University will also present at the conference, contributing insights across a range of topics in Adlerian Psychology. 

Registration for the conference is open now on the NASAP website. 

About NASAP

Established in 1952 by Rudolf Dreikurs, NASAP promotes and champions the knowledge, training, and teaching of the core concepts of Adlerian Psychology through its annual conference, journals, newsletters, and associated training opportunities. NASAP builds dynamic relationships with its affiliates and organizations that help individuals connect with the ideas and practices of Adlerian Psychology at the local level.