In this special episode recorded at Engage 2025, Generation AI hosts Ardis Kadiu and Dr. JC Bonilla sit down with Dr. Tracy Brundage, President of ABAC in Georgia, for a candid conversation about the real challenges of AI transformation in higher education. Moving beyond the typical efficiency metrics, they explore what it truly means to be "AI powered, people focused" and why incremental change isn't enough anymore. The discussion reveals that the biggest obstacles aren't technological—they're human, cultural, and structural. With students arriving on campus after years of ChatGPT use in high school, the panel examines how institutions must fundamentally rethink their approach to education, moving from delivering more software features to providing AI teammates that actually get used. This conversation offers practical insights for leaders struggling to balance rapid technological change with the timeless mission of creating belonging and connection for students.Opening: The State of AI in Higher Education (00:00:08)Closing session from Engage 2025 conference in CharlotteTheme: "AI powered, people focused" frames every conversationAI becoming foundation of campus services, not just an add-onPanel explores obstacles and transformation challengesThe Exponential vs. Incremental Problem (00:03:31)Artists identifies gap between incremental desires and exponential needsPeople asking for efficiency gains while missing bigger transformation questionsOld ways of thinking blocking adoption of transformative approachesNeed to change internally to make things better for studentsBeyond Technology: The Real Barriers (00:06:06)Tracy identifies culture, systems, and structure as main obstacles"Sometimes less is less" - the problem of wearing too many hatsStudents arriving with 4 years of ChatGPT experience from high schoolChallenge of evolving academic integrity in digital ageThe 93% Problem: Unused Features (00:08:14)Across industries, 93% of software features go unusedAdding more features increases anxiety rather than solving problemsElement451 shifting from features to AI agents that handle entire workflowsFocus on delivering teammates, not toolsAI as a Unifying Force (00:09:22)Discussion of AI breaking down traditional silosABAC bringing admissions and alumni into same officeAI accelerating organizational transformationChange management as the critical factor, not technologyMeasuring What Matters: Student Experience (00:13:04)Moving beyond efficiency metrics like hours savedStudent belonging and connection as key success indicatorsWhy higher ed lacks customer satisfaction scores for studentsAI exposing existing cracks in educational systemsThe Unknown Future of Work and Education (00:17:19)Preparing students for jobs that don't exist yetLegacy programs may not offer viable career pathways20% chance AI development goes wrong, 80% chance for abundanceBuilding for next 6 months while future remains uncertainClosing Wisdom and North Star Advice (00:21:14)Tracy: "Design with empathy, lead with curiosity, never lose sight of the student"Artists: Everyone is figuring it out together, no true experts existStart where you are and keep building incrementallyJC: "Be a manager of AI and leader of people"
- - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Ardis Kadiuhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ardis/https://twitter.com/ardisDr. JC Bonillahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/https://twitter.com/jbonillxAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Generation AI is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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