How Can Institutions Build Agility and Resilience with Data and AI in 2025?

As we enter a new year, I’ve been reflecting on what higher education institutions need to thrive amidst ongoing challenges like enrollment shifts, financial pressures, and evolving student expectations. Agility and resilience continue to be essential for navigating the complexities of higher education as Dave Kieffer explained in a recent post.
 
This year, data management and AI will likely play an even greater role in helping institutions adapt quickly and plan strategically. This raises an important question: How can leaders use these tools effectively to strengthen their institutions?
 
Here are three practical steps to consider as you kick off 2025:

1. Lay a Solid Data Foundation

Agile decisions require reliable data to reduce risks and ensure optimal outcomes. Focus on:

• 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Clear policies and ownership to ensure data quality.
• 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Breaking down silos to build a unified data ecosystem.
• 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Empowering decision-makers with user-friendly dashboards and tools. 

2. Start Small with AI

AI doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Start with practical and scalable use cases like: 

• Predicting enrollment trends to drive strategic decisions.
• Spotting at-risk students early to improve retention.
• Automating routine administrative tasks to free up staff time. 

3. Build a Data-First Culture

Tools alone aren’t enough. It’s about empowering people. 

• Upskill staff to confidently interpret and use data.
• Implement AI ethically and responsibly, ensuring stakeholder trust.
• Foster a mindset of continuous improvement and adaptability.

Aligning People with Data and Tools

Prioritizing a culture of collaboration and forging and nurturing strategic partnerships are also critical ways to empower your teams and people. Cross-departmental efforts will reduce friction and strengthen the impact of data and AI initiatives. Leveraging collective expertise will drive innovation and enhance institutional outcomes. Further, reaching out to colleagues at peer institutions will open dialogues about collaboration opportunities, shared challenges, and best practices for mutual growth.

Higher education institutions don’t have to tackle data and AI challenges alone. Strategic partnerships with technology and services providers will help bridge knowledge gaps and accelerate progress. By aligning people, data, and tools, institutions can create a resilient framework that evolves with the complexities of the higher education landscape. If you would like support with data management, leadership and stakeholder alignment, project governance, technology evaluation and selection, or other strategic areas to advance your data and AI initiatives send us a message.

You May Also Like:

• Top Predictions for Education in 2025: Building Institutional Agility and Resiliency
• [Webinar] Exploring the AI Chatbots StarChart™
• A Cautionary Tale for Higher Education Leaders: Lessons from the AllHere Fraud Case

Originally posted by Alpha Hamadou Ibrahim on LinkedIn. Be sure to follow him there to catch all his great industry insights.