In short, the answer is yes. But probably not in the form it takes today. The University will change its mission to emphasize “knowledge in place,” and its importance for creative place-making and economic development. It will become the principal site for the interface between human and artificial intelligence. It will shift its mission to concentrate on “making the future.” Given that the half-life of knowledge in the knowledge economy is ever-shrinking, there will no longer be “alumni;” rather, a student will be continually engaged with an institution to serve their unremitting need for knowledge acquisition. Because knowledge is playing a greater geostrategic role, the university will be a critical stakeholder in the global security system. The University is dealing with many significant challenges at the moment, from questions about its value proposition, to whether it adequately prepares the workforce, to its perceived ideological orientation. This presentation will be a visionary account of what the University can become.

Most institutional leaders would agree that we are in a transformative period in higher education. Institutions must advance their value propositions while simultaneously engaging a changing workforce. Intentional new ways of doing business in a hybrid environment are essential to help us succeed. Partnerships both inside and outside of our institutions are important components of our collective success. The University of Central Florida (UCF) has developed an enterprise-wide corporate partnership program that addresses these issues. During this session, we will explore the problem, process, solution, and outcomes of the Pegasus Partnership program. Join us to learn more about how to implement a similar program on your campus.

In an era where technology profoundly influences every aspect of higher education and institutional advancement, generative AI stands out as a groundbreaking force. This session aims to demystify and explore the potential of generative AI in revolutionizing advancement strategies. We will delve into practical applications, discussing how AI can enhance engagement, personalize outreach, and innovate in philanthropy. Our panel of leaders from diverse institutional backgrounds will provide real-world examples, showcasing AI's role in data-driven decision-making, alumni engagement, and fundraising. Attendees will gain insights into integrating AI into their advancement efforts, understanding both opportunities, implications, and ethical considerations.

Historically, advancement efforts have focused on raising money and creating a culture of philanthropy among “the family” - engaged alumni and long-time supporters. Over the last decade, there has been a rise in “relationship-building campaigns”. These marketing-led efforts leverage paid and earned media and raise awareness and reputation among less engaged and less familiar audiences. The desired outcomes are higher rankings, more prestige, and larger enrollments. Many universities and colleges have invested significant resources in building their reputation beyond higher education and have garnered attention from media outlets and industry segments. What impact has this had on the university's philanthropic and alumni engagement arm? And how have university marketing and advancement coordinated their efforts to fundraise, friendraise, and build their reputations? The panel will discuss how this trend in integrated communications can enhance the efforts of any college or university.

Recently, college admissions has been at the forefront of conversation and controversy. The proliferation of test-optional policies, a Supreme Court decision on race-conscious admissions, FAFSA crisis, legacy admission bans, anti-DEI legislation and a decline in the public’s sentiment about the value of higher education make meeting enrollment goals more challenging than ever. In addition, a demographic cliff, anti-immigration policies and changing trends in global student mobility have compounded these challenges. This session will provide an overview of the issues and their nuances and make suggestions for how development, communications, and marketing professionals can support the work of increasing access and ensuring the health of institutions.

Join us for a Fireside chat with Anne Applebaum, Pulitzer Prize winning historian, journalist and commentator on geopolitics, in conversation with CASE Chair-elect Fritz Schroeder. Applebaum is also an acclaimed author and her newest book, Autocracy Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World, will be published on July 23, 2024.