2026 APCU Presidents Retreat
The 2026 APCU Presidents Retreat will once again be held at the Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, by Hyatt from November 16 through November 18. This is one of the finest properties in San Antonio and provides convenient access to the many attractions along San Antonio’s famed River Walk.
This year’s gathering will once again feature a series of member-led discussions around the challenges and opportunities facing our member institutions. Each of these discussions will take place behind closed doors and allow for casual, open dialogue and idea-sharing. In addition to topics such as dissecting a successful merger, and more effectively managing risk, we’ll examine the outcomes of the Chaplains’ Certificate Program and the (positive) implications for participating institutions. Also, with APCU membership now open to our Presbyterian seminaries, we’ll also spend some time getting to know these institutions and exploring ways we can develop mutually beneficial relationships with these institutions.
Of course, the Retreat is also a time to relax and refresh, and San Antonio is an ideal place to do both. We’ll take full advantage of the Thompson Hyatt’s excellent facilities while also building time into the schedule to enjoy the shops, bars, and restaurants along the River Walk! A special program will be available for presidential spouses/partners who choose to join us for the Retreat. Of course, our APCU Strategic Partners will be with us for the early part of our time together to share information about how they’re helping our schools solve problems and address critical needs.
In addition to the great Retreat content, our host hotel offers unmatched San Antonio skyline vistas, magnetic gathering places, refined guest rooms and celebrated cuisine. Designed by Mariana Valero of Amass & G, our inspiring interiors create a chic residential atmosphere where you can retreat to one of 162 guest rooms, including 33 luxury suites. Savor acclaimed dining at Landrace, immersive nightlife from our rooftop lounge, or kick back with a Texas-whiskey cocktail in your private cabana on the serene Cenote Pool Deck. Perfectly positioned in the cultured North River Walk neighborhood, this boutique hotel is steps from the San Antonio Museum of Art, historic Alamo and the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.
The 2025 Retreat Schedule has been updated to reflect this year’s content as well as some pre-retreat programming for chaplains from the Certificate Program who are part of our inaugural cohort. These individuals will be meeting with their presidents to share information and discern opportunities for increasing the impact of chaplains at APCU schools. Here is the tentative schedule for the 2025 Retreat:
Monday, November 16
- 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Chaplains’ Certificate Program Sessions (participating chaplains & their presidents only)
- 3:00 p.m. APCU Board Meeting (directors only)
- 5:30 p.m. Opening Reception & Recreation
Tuesday, November 17
- 8:30 a.m. Strategic Conversations with Partners
- 11:00 a.m. Session #1: Exploring our Presbyterian Heritage
- 1:00 p.m. Session #2: Effective Chaplaincy Models
- 2:30 p.m. Session #3: Presbyterian Seminaries: Partners in Education
- 3:45 p.m. Free Time to Explore!
- 6:00 p.m. Presidents’ Reception & Dinner
Wednesday, November 18
- 8:30 a.m. Session #4: On the Hook: Understanding a College President’s Legal Liability
- 9:45 a.m. Session #5: Dissecting an Effective Merger
- 11:00 a.m. Session #6: Business Continuity Planning
Registration & Reservations
To register for the 2026 APCU Presidents Retreat, simply fill out the short registration form provided below. When you submit the form, you’ll have an opportunity to reserve your room and pay the Retreat registration fee of $450. Note that the APCU has secured a discounted rate of $199 per-night for rooms at the Thompson Hyatt River Walk Hotel, single or double occupancy. If you choose to bring a guest, please indicate below if that guest will be attending the Opening Reception (Monday evening) and the Presidents’ Dinner (Tuesday evening). If so, the APCU will invoice you for an additional $150 to cover the cost of your guest’s participation in these special events. Other guest meals and amenities can be purchased on-site and charged directly to your room.