The Future of Higher Education IT Leadership in 2024

As we enter the new year, it is evident that the higher education technology landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. From artificial intelligence to zero trust, university IT leaders are preparing to navigate the changes and challenges that 2024 will bring. Renowned leaders in the field, such as Tom Andriola, Vice Chancellor for IT and Data, Chief Digital Officer at the University of California, Irvine, and McIntosh, are sharing their insights on the upcoming trends and their strategic plans for the future.

The Role of AI in Higher Education

According to McIntosh, the discussions surrounding AI on university campuses have evolved significantly over the past year. He underscores the necessity for proactive engagement with AI beyond generative AI, and the practical applications of AI in both academic and administrative settings. Andriola further asserts that AI is a prevailing subject in higher education, sparking debates about the potential benefits and concerns regarding its implementation. Both leaders view AI as a tool to enhance productivity and efficiency, emphasizing the importance of comprehending AI’s role as an automated capability to support human work.

Practical Application of AI on Campus

Looking forward, McIntosh has already initiated the integration of AI tools within the university ecosystem, such as the OpenAI language model, for marketing and content analysis. Andriola acknowledges the tension between pedagogical comfort and the students’ use of AI tools beyond the university’s oversight. He believes that equipping students to utilize AI tools can confer a competitive advantage in the workforce, rather than posing a threat to their employment.

Adoption of Zero Trust in Universities

Both leaders concur that zero trust holds substantial promise for bolstering cybersecurity in higher education. Nevertheless, they recognize the challenges in its implementation, spanning from technical obstacles to opposition from malevolent actors. Specifically, McIntosh perceives the benefits of zero trust and is actively strategizing its assimilation into the university’s security posture, while acknowledging the hurdles that loom ahead.

Remote Work in Higher Education

The shift to remote work due to the pandemic has prompted investments in VPN capabilities, two-factor authentication, and mobile device management. Both leaders underscore the significance of policies and procedures for remote work arrangements, as well as the necessity for system access and ensuring device security through regular application of security patches.

In conclusion, the future of higher education IT leadership in 2024 will witness the amplified integration of AI, the adoption of zero trust principles, and the continual management of remote work policies and technologies. With these trends on the horizon, university IT leaders are preparing for a dynamic and evolving landscape that will shape the future of higher education technology.