Advancing Enterprise Architecture in Higher Education: Aligning Strategy and Systems

Higher education institutions often operate within highly decentralized environments where disparate systems, duplicated processes, and fragmented data create barriers to efficiency, innovation, and student success. This poster session explores how one university is moving “from silos to systems” by implementing an enterprise architecture (EA) approach that aligns technology, data, and business capabilities with institutional strategy. Attendees will learn how a pragmatic EA framework was introduced in a complex academic environment, including methods for stakeholder engagement, capability mapping, and governance design. The session highlights practical steps for transitioning from ad hoc decision-making to a more intentional, systems-oriented model that improves transparency, interoperability, and strategic alignment. Key insights include lessons learned in building cross-campus collaboration, establishing architectural standards without limiting innovation, and demonstrating value to both IT and non-technical stakeholders. Participants will leave with actionable strategies for advancing enterprise architecture maturity at their own institutions—regardless of size or starting point.