Higher Ed Trends Panel Discussion with PeakSpan Capital

In this special episode, Dustin joins as a panelist for this wide ranging conversation in collaboration with PeakSpan Capital. The panel is moderated by Russell Perkins, a Senior Associate and features Sanket Merchant, a Partner at PeakSpan covering a wide variety of trending higher ed topics. They explore how edtech is impacting everything from admissions, vocational education, and student success.

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Key Takeaways

• Differentiation Requires Specialization
  • Institutions need to embrace their unique strengths, rather than trying to be "everything to everyone." Regional colleges, liberal arts schools, and community colleges should lean into their specialties to attract and retain students.
• Student Success is the New Priority
  • Higher ed is shifting its focus from recruitment to retention, with renewed emphasis on improving the student experience, supporting mental health, and driving positive outcomes.
• EdTech Tools are Reshaping the Industry
  • Platforms like intelligent chatbots, mobile-centric engagement systems, and predictive analytics are helping institutions identify at-risk students and deliver tailored support.
• The Rise of Alternative Pathways
  • Bootcamps, digital certifications, and gap-year programs are gaining traction as viable alternatives or complements to traditional higher education. Institutions should consider partnerships with these providers to expand their offerings.
• Vocational Education Needs More Innovation
  • There’s an opportunity to bring edtech advancements, such as learning management systems and career placement tools, to trade schools and vocational programs to better support the workforce of tomorrow.
• Data and Interoperability are Key
  • Institutions need to invest in infrastructure that integrates siloed systems, enabling better communication and a unified view of the student experience.

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Episode Summary: FAQs Answered

How can colleges and universities differentiate themselves?

Institutions should focus on their unique strengths, such as academic specialties or a strong regional presence, rather than trying to emulate larger, more established universities. By identifying and emphasizing their niche, they can attract students who align with their mission and values.

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Why is student success becoming a top priority?

With declining enrollment and increased competition, institutions are shifting focus to ensure the students they recruit are retained and graduate successfully. This includes providing better mental health support, academic resources, and clearer pathways to career success.

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What role is edtech playing in student success?

Edtech solutions like chatbots, mobile engagement platforms, and student relationship management tools are making it easier to identify at-risk students, provide personalized support, and improve communication across campus. These tools enable institutions to proactively address issues before they lead to student attrition.

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What are some emerging alternatives to traditional higher education?

Bootcamps, digital certifications from companies like Google and AWS, and structured gap-year programs are gaining popularity. These options allow students to build skills quickly and at a lower cost, often leading to gainful employment with the opportunity to pursue further education later.

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How is vocational education evolving?

There is a growing demand for innovation in trade schools and vocational programs. Edtech can play a significant role by improving curriculum delivery, providing career placement tools, and enabling better student engagement.

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What infrastructure challenges are institutions facing?

Many institutions struggle with siloed systems and limited IT resources. A lack of integration between tools for admissions, student engagement, and academic support creates inefficiencies. Investing in interoperable systems that provide a unified view of the student experience can help address these challenges.

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Leadership Lessons: How Institutions Can Embrace Innovation

1. Focus on Outcomes, Not Just Rankings

Move beyond traditional metrics like U.S. News & World Report rankings and emphasize social and economic mobility as measures of institutional success. Highlighting outcomes such as job placement rates and student earnings can set your institution apart.

2. Invest in the Right Technology

Adopt edtech solutions that streamline communication, improve student engagement, and provide data-driven insights. Tools like chatbots, CRMs, and analytics platforms can enhance both the admissions process and ongoing student support.

3. Embrace Alternative Pathways

Consider partnerships with bootcamps, certification programs, and gap-year organizations to provide flexible learning options. These can serve as on-ramps to traditional degree programs or standalone career pathways.

4. Enhance Digital Experiences

Create a seamless, mobile-first experience for students, whether they’re on campus or studying online. Tools like Pathify, which acts as a digital intranet for campuses, can provide centralized access to resources and improve the overall student experience.

5. Bridge the Skills Gap

Focus on workforce enablement by aligning academic programs with industry needs. Incorporate tools and partnerships that help students build the skills employers are seeking, especially in vocational and trade programs.

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How EdTech is Enabling Transformation

The Power of Predictive Analytics

Tools like EdSights use behavioral and cognitive data to identify at-risk students, enabling institutions to intervene early and provide tailored support.

The Importance of Interoperability

Institutions need to break down silos and ensure their systems for admissions, academics, and student engagement work together seamlessly. This creates efficiencies and improves the student experience.

Meeting Students Where They Are

Mobile-centric solutions, text-based learning platforms, and AI-driven chatbots ensure students can access resources and support in ways that are convenient and intuitive.

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How You Can Take Action

• Explore EdTech Solutions: Evaluate tools like Pathify, EdSights, and Arist to enhance student engagement and streamline communication.
• Invest in Workforce Development: Partner with vocational programs and bootcamps to address skills gaps and offer alternative pathways for students.
• Prioritize Student Outcomes: Use data to track and communicate how your institution supports students’ academic and career success.
• Embrace Innovation: Rethink traditional approaches to admissions, enrollment, and student support to better meet the needs of today’s learners.

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