Andy is a dynamic keynote speaker, master class teacher, and retreat facilitator who helps higher education professionals thrive in times of disruption. Drawing on his award-winning book Tone Setters in the Academy, Andy challenges audiences to move beyond simply “doing the job” and instead shape the culture around them with purpose and confidence. His talks are practical, energizing, and tailored to each campus, equipping participants with strategies to live their values, reframe change as opportunity, and reignite passion for their work. Whether delivering a keynote or leading a customized session, Andy leaves audiences inspired, aligned, and ready to elevate their impact.
Keynote: Upping Your Game in Higher Ed During Times of Change
At some point in our careers, we’ve all wondered: Am I just doing my job, or am I really shaping the culture around me? This session is about stepping into that second space—becoming a “tone setter” on campus. Drawing from Andrew Tracy Ceperley’s award-winning book, Tone Setters in the Academy: How to Build an Inspired Life as a University Administrator, Andy explores how to bring your best self to work every day, even in the midst of constant change. He will talk about finding and living your values, keeping your work fresh when it starts to feel a bit flat, and reframing disruption as an opportunity to grow. You’ll walk away with some practical strategies—and hopefully a spark or two—that can help you feel more energized, more aligned with your institution’s mission, and more fulfilled in the work you do.
Customized Master Classes
Your Path to Wisdom on Campus
Step into an interactive think tank as we explore six wisdom principles from Tone Setters in the Academy—aspirational behaviors we can develop to amplify your higher education career from paycheck to calling.
Living Your Values on the Job
Finding our North Star can be challenging. We help students find their “why.” What about us? Learn how to develop and utilize your authentic Values constellation, the words and phrases that ground you, inspire you, and describe you at your very best.
Finding Comfort in the Midst of Constant Change
Things are always changing, and for many of us we would just like things to stay just as they are. We are comfortable. We feel mastery. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Let’s take a fresh look at inevitable change, transition, and disruption. Learn approaches to reframe change as a tool to up your professional game.
Beating Stagnation on the Job
We all get stuck from time to time. The work that once inspired us doesn’t offer us the same juice that it once did. How do we keep our work fresh and our campus career energized? Learn some tricks that you can apply to re-ignite your professional flame.
Client Experience
“I invited Andy on campus to speak with my team and the members of our Undergraduate Affairs division. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to hear him speak, you know you’re in the presence of someone truly gifted. Andy doesn’t just deliver keynotes—he commands the room with authenticity, insight, and a rare ability to connect with audiences across generations and professional backgrounds. His storytelling is masterful, his delivery polished yet heartfelt, and his presence leaves a lasting impression long after the event ends. Whether he’s facilitating a conversation, mentoring leaders, or sharing his wisdom in writing, Andy brings clarity, compassion, and conviction to everything he does. He truly is a tone setter—and the field is better because of him.”
CHRISTIAN GARCIA
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT
CAREER & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
“Andy has a wealth of higher education knowledge and experience to share! I asked Andy to be our keynote speaker at the National Association of Law Student Affairs Professionals annual conference in 2025. He was a gem. It also helped that he had such a close connection to legal education and easily connected the dots to our hyper-specific form of higher education work. I would highly recommend Andy as you consider ways to change your message or practices within your higher education department or office or profession.”
CHRIS GAST
SENIOR DIRECTOR
JAMES E. ROGERS COLLEGE OF LAW
