Timing the AI Leap: Governance, Hesitation, and Building Digital Strategy

Higher ed leaders face intense pressure to adopt artificial intelligence while navigating complex governance, security, and timing concerns. Determining the right moment to integrate AI agents into the digital ecosystem requires balancing long-term strategy against rapid technological shifts. This panel session explores real-world frameworks to evaluate institutional AI readiness, establish clear governance policies, and make confident procurement choices. Pathify CTO Chris Hagan joins campus partners to discuss how institutions move past "analysis paralysis" without rushing into unvetted technology. Panelists outline actionable approaches to audit existing infrastructure, assess user experience friction, and deploy conversational AI agents across digital campus ecosystems. Moderated by Pathify Product Owner Greg Wilson, this open discussion delivers practical strategies for higher ed executives seeking to modernize campus operations, align stakeholder,s and drive meaningful digital transformation.