Artificial intelligence is rewriting the rules of work — and higher education has to reshape itself along with it. Institutions that don't adapt risk becoming the Blockbuster of their region: not bad at what they do, just no longer relevant to the students and employers they serve. From AI-powered personalized learning to workforce-aligned programs and rethought degree models, the question facing every college and university leader in 2026 is the same: how does your institution use AI in higher education to deliver outcomes that actually matter?
Blockbuster didn't fail. They were just eventually outperformed by a company that served an evolving consumer. They failed because what they did stopped mattering, not that it wasn't valuable, it stopped mattering to a consumer. And we're having our blockbuster moment right now.”
For regional comprehensive institutions in particular, the challenge is clear: provide high-quality, accredited degrees that meet employer expectations while serving students who often juggle work, family, and financial responsibilities.
Our recent webinar panel of higher education Presidents unpacked how "relevance" is the top trend leaders should focus on in 2026. Dr. Joe Sallustio, Chief of Industry Engagement at Ellucian led a powerful discussion with Dr. Donna Hodge, President of Fitchburg State University and Dr. Bruce Kusch of Ensign College on strategies to win the five battles of relevance: program, skills, degree, institutional, and public.
Aligning Programs with Job Market Needs
Institutions must demonstrate their relevance by ensuring academic programs directly connect to workforce demands. That means:
- Designing curricula that reflect evolving industry standards
- Embedding both technical and durable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
- Engaging employers in program development and review
Employers increasingly prioritize applied learning, adaptability, and real-world experience over credit hours alone. Institutions that collaborate closely with industry can ensure graduates are prepared to contribute immediately.
Purpose-built technology like the lifelong learning capability in Ellucian Student helps close the skills gap. Automated skills gap analysis identifies opportunities to better align continuing education and workforce development curriculum with everchanging skill demands.
Rethinking the Degree Model
The traditional degree structure is evolving. One emerging approach is the 90-credit bachelor's degree, which streamlines pathways while maintaining academic quality. Recently, Ensign College announced their "Every-Bachelor's-Degree-in-3" option, becoming the first college in the United States to offer the three-year degree format for all bachelor's programs. This represents a movement across states and systems to provide flexible pathways to college completion for all learners.
New degree models emphasize:
- Skills-based curriculum design
- Shortened time to completion
- Greater employer collaboration
The goal is not to dilute rigor, but to focus on core competencies that matter most in the workforce. Degrees must clearly signal value — to students investing time and resources, and to employers evaluating talent.
Our job is to serve this region and to prepare any student who has the drive and determination to seek a degree to have a path to get that degree.”
Integrating AI with Intention
Artificial intelligence is transforming how students learn and how institutions operate. AI can personalize learning, provide real-time feedback, and streamline administrative processes.
But integration must be thoughtful. Institutions should:
- Teach responsible and ethical AI use
- Redesign assessments to emphasize critical thinking
- Prepare students for AI-driven workplaces
AI should enhance — not replace — human connection and intellectual rigor. Ellucian AI for Higher Education balances technology and human judgement to amplify what students and staff can achieve.
Supporting the Whole Student
Today's students balance coursework with jobs, family responsibilities, and financial pressures. Delivering a holistic education means addressing both academic and life challenges.
Every student deserves to know that they matter and that they're relevant, and if our work focuses on that and we create institutions that help them see that, I think we'll be doing a great service to them and to our communities.”
Many institutions are forming integrated student success teams that align advising, career services, and personal support. This coordinated approach helps ensure students not only enroll but persist and graduate with a clear path forward.
Ensuring Institutional Sustainability
Relevance also depends on operational and financial sustainability. Institutions must make strategic decisions about resource allocation, program offerings, and efficiency.
As leaders we have to help those who we work with understand how to embrace something new and something that's very uncomfortable, something disruptive and something that feels threatening.”
Collaboration across departments, faculty leadership in curriculum redesign, and a culture of continuous improvement are essential to navigating ongoing change.
Moving Forward
Despite disruption, the core mission of higher education remains unchanged: developing critical thinkers, expanding economic opportunity, and preparing engaged citizens.
The institutions that succeed in this moment will align programs with workforce needs, explore innovative degree models, integrate technology responsibly, and provide comprehensive student support.
The future of higher education will be shaped by leaders who can connect mission with measurable impact — and ensure every graduate leaves prepared for both career success and meaningful contribution.
