Throughout the year, Ellucian’s Heroes of Higher Education series spotlighted the people behind the progress — educators, deans, directors, and leaders who are making a meaningful difference across higher education. Through candid conversations, personal stories, and practical advice, these Heroes reflected on what it takes to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Across the series, three themes consistently rose to the top: guidance for those pursuing careers in higher education, evolving definitions of student success, and navigating the future of higher ed in the age of AI. Taken together, their insights painted a clear picture of a field shaped not just by technology or policy, but by people — how they lead, how they learn, and how they support others along the way.
Advice for Those Pursuing Careers in Higher Education
For many of our Heroes, meaningful impact begins with intentional career choices and a willingness to grow. Their advice for those entering — or redefining — their paths in higher education centered on adaptability, curiosity, and embracing challenge.
Hassan Selim, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Kalba, emphasized staying current and learning from failure. “The major advice I have to higher educators is to keep up to date with trends, innovations, and best practices in teaching and academic administration,” Selim said. “Keep experimenting — failure is great if it happens because it's quite a learning experience.”
Others echoed the importance of leaning into discomfort as a catalyst for growth. “Don't shy away from challenging projects or initiatives,” said John Selmon, President of Muskegon Community College, Michigan. “That’s where you learn most. That’s where you grow. Raise your hand — I guarantee you’re going to learn something from it.”
Dr. Pamela Baldwin, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Enrollment and Student Success, Fayetteville State University framed leadership as a skill rooted in listening and mentorship. “Great leadership starts with being a really great follower,” Baldwin said. “Find excellent mentors, listen more than you talk, and be intentional about where you’re headed.”
George Kriss, CIO, VP of Institutional Support & Technology, Kaskaskia College brought the advice back to purpose and progress. “Try to leave the institution in a better spot than it was yesterday,” Kriss said. “Always keep moving forward — and remember, students are at the heart of everything we do.”
While their advice varied, the motivation behind it was consistent. Growth, mentorship, and adaptability weren’t goals in themselves — they were means to a larger purpose. For every Hero, that purpose ultimately came back to one thing: student success.
Defining Student Success
Across institutions and roles, the Heroes shared a common understanding that student success is not one-size-fits-all — but it is always central to the mission of higher education.
Dr. Minita Ramirez, President of Laredo College, spoke about empowering students to see themselves as leaders in their own right. “Student success means developing confidence,” Ramirez said. “Leadership isn’t about being the boss; it’s about purpose shining through the work you do.”
For Dr. Lisa Kraus, Director of Enterprise Application Services at Anne Arundel Community College, success is deeply personal — and deeply practical. “Student success looks different for everyone,” Kraus said. “My role is to remove barriers, increase access, and create pathways so students can understand their options and move forward in whatever phase of their journey they’re in.”
Inas Abousharkh, Director of Information Technology at Ajman University, shared a powerful reminder that student success is often shaped by small, human-centered moments. During COVID-19, her team helped a visually impaired student access learning software when campus access was restricted — demonstrating the direct impact technology teams can have on students’ lives. “It showed me the true value of our work,” Abousharkh said. “IT isn’t just systems — it’s directly supporting students’ education.”
For Dr. Criquett Scott Chapman, Vice President of Student Services at Vernon College, student success is defined by both momentum and meaning. “Student success is about persistence — starting a semester, finishing it, and continuing toward their goals. But it's also about finding the right pathway for each student, whether that's a degree, a credential, or a career.”
Stories like these underscore that student success is driven not only by leadership and empathy, but also by how institutions use technology to meet students where they are. As higher education continues to evolve, technology — particularly AI — has become an increasingly important part of the equation.
The State of AI
AI remains one of the most talked-about topics in higher education, and the Heroes offered thoughtful perspectives on both its potential and its responsibility.
John Leever, Executive Director for Enterprise Applications at National Louis University, shared how AI has already transformed the way his team works. “I asked ChatGPT a question and instantly got the exact answer I needed,” Leever said. “That’s when I realized the difference between a search engine and AI. Learning how to ask good questions has saved us time again and again.”
At the same time, the Heroes acknowledged that embracing AI requires intention and care. “This isn’t about whether we embrace AI — it’s about how,” said Shailesh M. Shenoy, Assistant Dean of IT at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “AI isn’t a replacement for curiosity. It’s a partner, and we need to learn how to work with it.”
Dr. Iman Megahed, AVP for Digital Transformation and Chief Knowledge & Strategy Officer and CTO at The American University in Cairo, emphasized the importance of ethical awareness and preparedness for the future. “This is the reality shaping students’ futures,” Megahed said. “We must ensure they know how to use AI responsibly, ethically, and securely.”
Looking ahead, Rupa Saran, Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Technology Officer for the Coast Community College District, highlighted large-scale initiatives designed to improve equity and outcomes — efforts that may soon integrate AI even further. “We’re building a unified cloud and real-time data platform to better support students, especially during transfers,” Saran said. “This is transformational work, and AI will help us expand what’s possible.”
Looking Forward
Whether discussing career growth, student success, or the responsible use of AI, the Heroes of Higher Education consistently returned to the same core idea: change is inevitable, but how we respond to it defines our impact.
For those considering a career in higher education, the series explores many of today’s most pressing challenges while reinforcing what remains constant. Through diverse perspectives and real-world stories, the Heroes emphasized mentorship, lifelong learning, adaptability, and the importance of embracing innovation rather than resisting it.
As higher education continues to evolve, these Heroes remind us that progress isn’t driven by technology alone — it’s driven by people who lead with purpose, curiosity, and care. Together, they offer a roadmap not just for navigating change, but for shaping the future of higher education for the better.
Dive deeper into the Heroes of Higher Education series and discover the voices driving innovation, equity, and student success across higher education.
