AI as a Leadership Practice, not a Technology Initiative

Across higher education, AI adoption has accelerated quickly. Institutions have moved from conversation to experimentation and in many cases, to early implementation.

As activity increases many leadership teams are now asking a harder questions. They want to know if these efforts are producing meaningful impact and changing how work gets done. They also want to know what progress looks like at this stage.

This executive paper reflects the patterns that are emerging as AI moves from early momentum to operational reality.

What this paper addresses

This paper explores:

• Why early AI momentum often feels productive but uneven
• Where alignment between strategy and day-to-day work quietly breaks down
• What leadership teams should reasonably expect to see as AI adoption matures

This focus is not on tools or platforms, but on how AI reshapes work, priorities and leadership practice.

Who this is for

This paper is intended for institutional leaders who are:

• Navigating multiple AI initiatives across departments
• Responsible for aligning innovation with institutional priorities
• Seeking clearer signals of progress beyond activity and experimentation

Download the executive paper to better understand what progress should look like - and where leadership attention matters most.