The potential of AI to transform education remains uncertain, particularly in how it might impact higher education. However, Kim Fahey, CEO of Collegis Education, believes that any revolution will likely occur not in classrooms but in the administration of educational institutions. Collegis partners with higher education organizations, assisting them in enhancing services and increasing enrollments, positioning itself as a modern alternative to traditional online program managers. Their notable collaborations include institutions like St. Louis University and St. Francis University. Fahey highlights that while AI can elevate educational practices, many institutions harbor unrealistic expectations of AI as an instant solution for their challenges. She stresses that effective AI application requires significant groundwork, emphasizing that institutions must be “AI-ready” and that clean, accurate data is essential for successful AI implementation.

According to Fahey, when correctly employed, AI can facilitate numerous improvements. It allows administrative teams to automate mundane tasks, thereby freeing up time for more strategic initiatives and enhancing efficiency. AI tools can also boost marketing efforts, student recruitment, and retention, critical areas in the current demanding higher education landscape. AI also serves students, offering options for advising and tutoring that cater to varying levels of comfort with technology. Fahey notes that successful institutions will prioritize centralizing their data, recognizing that AI's effectiveness hinges on the quality of the data input. To aid in data organization and usability, Collegis is collaborating with Google Cloud, which is promoting a transformational shift in how educational institutions operate. This partnership aims to integrate fragmented data across departments to enhance decision-making with AI-powered analytics, providing valuable insights into student performance and operations. Fahey observes a growing trend of increased technology spending focused on integrated systems and improved data utilization, alongside a persistent challenge regarding the necessary skillsets within higher education IT teams to manage these swift technological advancements. She also points out that competitive pressures, particularly for smaller institutions, are often underestimated. The rapid pace of technological evolution in education creates stress for colleges and universities that struggle to keep up, emphasizing a survival race rather than merely a competition for innovation. Overall, the situation reflects a significant evolution, marked by intense competition and the necessity for institutions to effectively harness new technologies for growth and survival.