Shaping What’s Next: CIO Insights on the Future of Higher Ed IT

In December 2025, EAB held an exclusive virtual fireside chat on the most pressing technology priorities and challenges shaping higher education today.

Moderated by Brett Reinert, this conversation explored how IT leaders are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape defined by artificial intelligence, organizational transformation, and the exponential growth of data. Panelists shared insights on the most resonant themes influencing campus technology strategy—what’s rising to the top of leadership agendas, what’s missing from the national dialogue, and what lies ahead for the CIO role.

Watch the on-demand recording below. This informal yet strategic dialogue helped CIOs refine their vision for the future, benchmark against peers, and begin shaping the conversations that will anchor EAB’s 2026 CIO Executive Roundtables.

Key Takeaways:

• Explore emerging technology priorities and sector-wide leadership themes.
• Gain insights into how peers are preparing for an AI-driven future.
• Discuss strategies for designing the IT organization of tomorrow.
• Reflect on how to lead through volatility and institutional transformation.
• Identify the critical data challenges—and opportunities—facing higher education IT.
• Learn how to stay engaged with EAB’s CIO community leading into the 2026 Roundtables.

Please make sure to log in to view the on-demand recording and event materials below.