AI’s Transformative Role in Education

by Presidents Forum | Jun 19, 2025 | Innovation, Video

AI’s Transformative Role in Education

Why it matters:

While the internet democratized access to education, AI can potentially ensure every learner succeeds by adapting to individual needs and abilities.

Key insights:

WGU was designed to be “student-centered, tech-first” from its inception during the early internet era
Pulsipher warns against simply using AI to make existing educational models more efficient
Instead, he advocates rethinking education entirely: “What are the capabilities of the new technology that would say, living in that unconstrained world, what would you do?”

The bottom line:

Just as the internet expanded access to education, AI has the potential to personalize learning itself—unlocking the full potential of every individual in ways we’ve never been able to before.

Breaking the Time Barrier

by Presidents Forum | Jun 19, 2025 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Video

Breaking the Time Barrier

Why it matters:

Traditional higher education is constrained by fixed time periods that don’t match how people actually learn.

The big picture:

As college costs rise and student debt mounts, education leaders are reimagining a system where:

Learning is validated by demonstrating skills, not seat time
Technology enables personalized, flexible pathways
Access expands to working adults and underserved populations

Bottom line:

This transformation challenges long-held assumptions about higher education while creating more accessible, effective, and equitable learning opportunities.

NCHER Annual Conference: Highlights and Insights

by Presidents Forum | Jun 13, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability

NCHER Annual Conference: Highlights and Insights

Why it matters:

NCHER’s Annual Conference in Nashville brought together key players in education finance to address critical challenges and opportunities in the sector.

Key themes:

Legislative updates and regulatory changes
Student loan repayment strategies
Workforce development initiatives
Private loan program evolution

The bottom line:

The conference reinforced NCHER’s role in facilitating collaboration and innovation within the higher education finance community, with a clear focus on developing comprehensive financial solutions for students.

UMGC: Bridging Education and Employment

by Presidents Forum | Jun 12, 2025 | Innovation, Working Learners

UMGC: Bridging Education and Employment

The big picture

Workforce development has become central to UMGC’s mission, focusing on bridging the gap between education and employment.

Key insights

Students need to both learn and effectively communicate their skills to employers
Employers want graduates whose skills align with real workplace needs
Critical thinking and communication skills remain challenging to measure

What’s next

UMGC is prioritizing:

Experiential over theoretical coursework
Anticipating evolving workforce needs
Staying ahead of technological changes
Building confidence in both students and employers

How the National Nest Program is Reimagining Online Education

by Presidents Forum | Jun 11, 2025 | Innovation, Working Learners

How the National Nest Program is Reimagining Online Education

The big picture

National University is reimagining online education with physical “Nest” locations, designed as flexible co-learning spaces for nontraditional students.

Why it matters

Many online students face challenges at home, including:

• Lack of quiet space

• Internet connectivity issues

• Need for childcare

The Nest provides

Soundproof Zoom rooms
Veterans Center
Family Clubhouse
Innovation Studio
YMCA childcare partnership

What’s next

The program is expanding beyond Kearny Mesa to new locations in Escondido and Chula Vista.

The bottom line

While students value online learning flexibility, they also want optional physical spaces for learning and community connection.