Ellucian CEO Laura Ipsen on Scaling Higher Education Solutions for a Changing World

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Laura K. Ipsen is president and chief executive officer of Ellucian, the leading technology solutions provider for more than 2,900 higher education institutions in more than 50 countries. She has more than 25 years of experience as a technology executive in Silicon Valley, driving transformation in the public and private sectors and spurring adoption of comprehensive solutions in high-growth industries at Oracle Corporation, Microsoft and Cisco Systems. Earlier in her career, Ipsen also held leadership roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Acer America, and Hitachi Data Systems.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How AI is transforming higher education, from predictive analytics to enrollment success.
2. Insights from Ellucian’s latest AI survey, highlighting adoption challenges and opportunities.
3. The evolving value of a four-year degree in a tech-driven job market.
4. How technology can alleviate FAFSA challenges and improve financial aid accessibility.
5. The potential of a holistic, data-driven approach to student engagement and success.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:03:45] Laura Ipsen on Ellucian’s AI survey and industry readiness for AI adoption.
[00:12:30] Demonstrating the ROI of degrees through skill alignment and data insights.
[00:18:50] The importance of SaaS and data integration for institutional efficiency.
[00:25:40] Addressing FAFSA challenges with technology-driven financial aid solutions.
[00:32:15] Using AI to predict and address student needs and improve retention.
[00:40:10] How the Journey platform connects education to lifelong career success.
[00:48:20] Revolutionizing higher ed productivity through AI-driven administration.

Resources Mentioned:

• Ellucian AI Survey
• Student Voice Report
• EdUp Experience Podcast
• Paul LeBlanc’s Work on AI in Higher Ed

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