"We are in the business of changing lives," and that means meeting students where they are, not where we think they should be. The institutions that embrace adult learners will thrive in the next decade.

At CSP Global, we recognize this reality. Our programs offer: - Flexible courses where students learn on their schedule - Competency-based progression - Curriculum that immediately applies to their current jobs.

Adult learners need flexible, skills-based learning that fits their complex lives. They're juggling careers, families, and financial responsibilities while pursuing education.

73% of all students are working adults… Yet universities still design programs for traditional 18-22 year olds. Why does this matter? Because working adults need a different approach.

Our job is to prepare students for the world they're entering, not the world we grew up in. The question isn't whether AI belongs in education. The question is how we use it to make our students more competitive in their careers.

When our graduates enter the workforce, they'll be expected to use AI effectively and ethically. That's on us to teach them. We're embedding AI across all our courses because the technology is here to stay.

AI is changing everything in higher education, but not in the way you think. Many institutions are looking at AI as something students use to cheat. We're looking at it as a tool they need to master because employers expect it.

At CSP Global, every department knows their budget numbers. They understand exactly what happens if enrollment drops. This consistency in transparency has been life-saving for us. Trust and transparency go hand in hand. You can't have one without the other.

Here's what surprised me most - transparency with students is essential. But it's not enough. Universities must be transparent internally. Too many of them close and everyone acts shocked, including faculty and staff.

"We need to be radically transparent." This was the biggest theme I heard at the Innovation Academy with ASU and Georgetown University. Twenty-five institutions, all grappling with the same challenge: how do we rebuild trust?

They come first, always. That's what sets us apart.

Our students are central to what we do, and they're the only reason we get the privilege to work with them. If we don't have students, we don't have a university. In every decision we make, we look at how it impacts our students.

"We are only here because of our students." I think sometimes the industry forgets this. You can often gauge an institution's culture by how it treats its students—are they viewed as a disruption or a priority?

Inspired by:

The future of higher education depends on bold action. Whether you're a student, educator, or leader, your voice matters in shaping what comes next. Let's build an education system that serves everyone.

Challenge 10 - Alternative Credentials Degrees are not enough. Students need micro-credentials, bootcamps, and industry certifications as they offer faster paths to employment. Institutions must adapt their offerings while maintaining quality standards.

Challenge 9 - Diversity & Inclusion Underrepresented students face barriers in access, retention, and graduation rates. Recent legal challenges complicate diversity initiatives. Proactive support systems are crucial.

Challenge 8 - Skills Gap Employers increasingly reject graduates lacking practical experience. Curriculum must evolve faster to meet changing industry needs. Work-integrated learning becomes essential.

Challenge 7 - Digital Accessibility New ADA rules require all digital content to meet accessibility standards. Only 10% of faculty feel prepared for this shift. Training and support systems need immediate attention.

Challenge 6 - Sustainability Higher education institutions are major contributors to carbon emissions. They also have unique potential to drive environmental innovation through research and education.