Unlocking Higher Education’s Potential in the AI Era
Higher education is at an inflection point. Rapid technological advancements, shifting student demographics, skepticism about degree value, and the rise of artificial intelligence present both challenges and generational opportunities. Institutions that act decisively and intelligently will emerge stronger, more adaptive, and more relevant.
As a seasoned academic entrepreneur, institutional founder, change management expert, and strategic consultant, Don has built and transformed educational institutions, developed market-aligned programs, facilitated early adoption of innovative learning models, established high EQ cultures, and secured strong outcomes. Understanding the winds of change and with deep insight into the forces reshaping education, he can help colleges and universities navigate today’s complexities while facilitating change and unlocking the potential of AI.
Proven Leadership in Education Innovation and Change
A recognized expert in higher education strategy and innovation, Don has served as a president, dean, tenured professor, and senior administrator, in: . . .
- Founding and expanding institutions, leading them through the accreditation process, facilitating strong enrollment growth, and establishing award-winning programs
- Developing market-aligned academic models that improve student success and institutional competitiveness
- Growing enrollment via process driven models of continuous improvement
- Building high EQ cultures through personal growth and development programs, alternative tenure models, and organizational restructuring
- Establishing programs that broaden institutional impact beyond campus borders
A prolific author, Don has authored or co-authored over 20 books and numerous scholarly articles, earned accolades such as the Florida Supreme Court Professionalism Award and multiple teaching and leadership honors, and created an award-winning community service program. His commitment to outcome excellence and innovation has shaped institutions that outperform peer schools on key student and employment outcomes.
AI And Higher Education: Seizing a Generational Opportunity
Institutions that smartly and strategically embrace AI can a gain a significant advantage and secure their future
- Aligning academic models with the evolving demands of students and employment
- Developing adaptive policies and processes to facilitate timely AI adoption and secure consequent benefits of efficiency and innovation
- Strengthening institutional cultures to foster buy in, agility, engagement, and performance
- Enhancing degree value and student outcomes in a rapidly changing employment landscape
As a strong believer that “culture eats strategy for breakfast,” Don emphasizes that successful transition into this new era requires an understanding that unlocking the power of AI hinges not just upon mastering the technology and tools, but upon having or building a culture that unlocks the potential of an organization’s people.
Digital Pioneers Leading the AI Frontier
Working alongside colleagues who have helped pioneer the digital age, built Fortune 500 companies and legacy educational systems, led major business and school innovation and turnarounds, and opened international markets — and can provide ready access to capital — Don brings a wealth of cross-sector expertise and connectivity to help institutions navigate disruption, seize new opportunities, and develop and implement future-ready strategies.
Smart Solutions = Smarter Schools
Don has led successful institutional transformations that:
- Addressed enrollment challenges with innovative admissions and marketing processes and strategies
- Redefined faculty models through alternative tenure structures and innovative evaluation processes
- Accelerated decision-making via collaborative-decisive processes that secured full engagement of stakeholders and timely results
- Achieved high levels of student engagement and performance that exceeded incoming academic indicators
- Expanded institutional impact via community-centered initiatives and cross-sector partnerships
As a strong believer that “culture eats strategy for breakfast,” Don emphasizes that successful transition into this new era requires an understanding that unlocking the power of AI hinges not just upon mastering the technology and tools, but upon having or building a culture that unlocks the potential of an organization’s people.
A Network of Industry Pioneers Facilitating Adaptability and Change
Working alongside colleagues who have helped pioneer the digital age, built Fortune 500 companies and legacy educational systems, led major business and school innovation and turnarounds, and opened international markets — and can provide ready access to capital — Don brings a wealth of cross-sector expertise and connectivity to help institutions navigate disruption, seize new opportunities, and develop and implement future-ready strategies.
Reimagining Education for a World That Won’t Wait
Fear and anxiety are normative responses to disruption, but AI is not the enemy—it is an educator’s ally. Rather than diminishing or imperiling the role of today’s teachers, AI empowers them to engage students more personally and move beyond “faces in the crowd” interaction to truly individualized learning. It frees up time for academics to focus on what matters most, amplifying their humanistic impact. If educators are to be replaced in this new era, it will not be by AI but by those who embrace and harness it as a fundamental tool of their professional calling.
Higher education’s future belongs to institutions that embrace change with intelligence, strategy, visionary and inspirational leadership, and a high EQ culture. Whether your institution is facing enrollment headwinds, hindered by outdated processes, encountering hesitation or resistance, looking to lead in AI integration, or knowing where to start, Don offers the insight, expertise, and actionable solutions to drive success.
Don has led successful institutional transformations that:
- Addressed enrollment challenges with innovative admissions and marketing processes and strategies
- Redefined faculty models through alternative tenure structures and innovative evaluation processes
- Achieved high levels of student engagement and performance that exceeded incoming academic indicators
- Expanded institutional impact via community-centered initiatives and cross-sector partnerships
Dispatches
Contact Don Lively
to explore how your institution can thrive in transformative times.
dlively@collegiopartners.com
About Me
I have spent most of my career in higher education—first as a professor and widely published scholar, then as founder and leader of a student-centered institution nationally recognized for innovation. Today, I help schools navigating the complex challenges of transformative times, drawing on experience in enlightened change management and a sharp focus on the enabling prerequisites of culture and process. I work alongside colleagues who, among other things, have helped pioneer the digital era, built Fortune 500 companies, turned around distressed institutions, shaped legacy educational systems, and provide access to capital. As schools confront public skepticism, a pending enrollment cliff, and the non-negotiable imperative to engage with AI, I believe they must be not only teachers but learners. I bring a multifocal perspective shaped by cross-sector experience, informed by data, grounded in performance optimizing cultures and processes, and centered on people.
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