Beyond the AI Pilot: How Campus Leaders Are Turning AI Ambition into Lasting Impact

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 3:30PM–4:15PM MT
Session Type: Breakout Session
Delivery Format: Industry Insights Session

AI is moving quickly—but building a strategy that delivers real institutional value takes more than a promising pilot. Join leaders from Tulane University and Austin Peay State University for an honest, practical conversation about what it takes to move AI from experimentation to sustainable, campus-wide progress.

Hear how these institutions are navigating the decisions that matter most: where to begin, which use cases to prioritize, how to bring faculty and staff along, and how to put effective governance and responsible AI practices in place. Panelists will share lessons from their own journeys, including how they are building executive alignment, cross-functional collaboration, and clear measures of value.

This session is for higher education leaders who want to move beyond the hype and leave with actionable ideas. Oracle will add perspective from its work across higher education, but the conversation will center on the experiences, challenges, and strategies of campus leaders.

Come away with practical approaches to assess your institution’s readiness, strengthen internal partnerships, establish AI governance, and create a roadmap for meaningful, long-term transformation.

Presenters

  • Mike Griffith

    Executive Director Strategic Tech Innovation, Tulane University
  • Scott Howe

    Sr. Manager, Field Architecture, Oracle
  • Sherry Lawdermilt

    Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Austin Peay State University
  • Bharath Prabhakaran

    Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, University of Cincinnati
  • Laura Shevling

    Director, Higher Education Strategy, Oracle
  • Borre Ulrichsen

    CIO, Gonzaga University