Jeff Elliott
Sr. Director of Product Management,
Jenzabar
Managing Change and Expectations for AI Projects in Higher Education
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 3:15PM–4:00PM CT | EDUCAUSE Commons, EDUCAUSE Central Poster Area
Session Type:
Poster Session
Delivery Format:
Poster
As higher education institutions increasingly adopt artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance IT operations, streamline services, and improve user experiences, the path to successful implementation is rarely one-size-fits-all. In fact, how AI is adopted can be just as important as what is adopted. That’s where effective change management becomes essential—not just to ensure a smooth transition, but to unlock the full potential of these transformative technologies. In this engaging session, Mimi Royston, CIO at American International College; and Matt Sullivan, director of Information Technology at Tennessee Wesleyan University, present two distinctly different approaches to AI adoption and change management within their institutions. One approach is grounded in structured planning, incremental rollouts, and institution-wide engagement, while the other leans into rapid experimentation, agile pivots, and grassroots momentum. Through these contrasting case studies, attendees will gain an understanding of how institutional culture, leadership style, and strategic vision influence the trajectory of AI adoption. The session will highlight practical lessons learned, unexpected challenges, and critical success factors that emerged along the way. Whether you're cautiously curious about integrating AI or already building out your roadmap, this session offers valuable insights and adaptable strategies to help you navigate your institution’s unique AI journey with confidence.
