THE PLEXUSS PRESIDENTIAL PODCAST SERIES

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Kristi Kirk, President of Concordia University Texas, about the enduring mission of higher education and how institutions can adapt without losing sight of their purpose. They explore AI in the classroom, responsible use of the technology, the value of liberal arts education, and the importance of preparing students for meaningful work. Dr. Kirk also discusses Concordia's 100-year history and how the university is navigating financial, enrollment, policy, and other challenges while staying focused on its students and mission.

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Danielle Wilkins, President of the University of Bridgeport, about the evolving role of higher education and what institutions must do to prepare students for the workforce. They discuss affordability, career-focused learning, industry partnerships, and Bridgeport's approach to artificial intelligence, including its AI programs and innovative use of AI technology. Dr. Wilkins also shares lessons from her leadership journey and her vision for transforming the university through transparency, collaboration, and institutional agility.

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Aondover Tarhule, President of Illinois State University, about leading a historic institution through a rapidly changing higher education landscape. They explore how AI is reshaping education and the workforce, why universities must focus on critical thinking and adaptability rather than rote learning, and the enduring role of higher education in creating social mobility. Dr. Tarhule also shares his perspective on institutional agility, the future of Illinois State, and preparing students for a future we cannot fully predict.

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Andrea Talentino, President of Augustana College, to explore how liberal arts education is evolving in an era of AI and rapid workforce change. They discuss the value of critical thinking, communication, and whole-person development, how colleges can prepare students for a changing job market, and the importance of modernizing programs while staying true to institutional mission. Dr. Talentino also shares her perspective on affordability, higher education policy, and the future of small private colleges.

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Susan L. Parish, President of Mercy University, about creating pathways to success for first-generation, low-income, and commuter students. They explore Mercy's approach to work-based learning, student retention, AI integration, affordability, and preparing students with the human and technical skills they need for the future.

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Jonathan Koppell, President of Montclair State University, to explore how higher education must evolve in the face of demographic shifts, AI, changing workforce demands, and growing questions about the value of a degree. They discuss the future of learning, human creativity, social mobility, and what it takes for universities to become more adaptive, innovative, and responsive to a rapidly changing world.

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Timothy Lynch, President of the College of Staten Island, to explore how public higher education can expand opportunity while adapting to a rapidly changing workforce. They discuss enrollment growth, affordability, career preparation, AI integration, student support, and the role of higher education in advancing economic and social mobility.

In this episode, Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Matthew Draud, President of Briar Cliff University, to explore how institutions can pursue sustainable growth while adapting to the rapid evolution of AI and the workforce. They discuss Briar Cliff's enrollment growth and financial turnaround, the role of AI in admissions and across the curriculum, and the challenges facing healthcare programs amid changes to federal student borrowing. Dr. Draud also shares his perspective on the enduring value of liberal arts education, social mobility, and preparing students to navigate an increasingly technology-driven world.

In Episode 24 of Season 4 of the Plexuss Presidential Podcast, Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Alan Kadish, President of Touro University, to explore how higher education can adapt to an era of rapid technological change. They discuss AI's impact on the workforce, the importance of liberal arts education, and why critical thinking, communication, and human judgment remain essential as technology continues to evolve.

Dr. JP Novin is joined by Michael J. Avaltroni, Ph.D., President of Fairleigh Dickinson University, for a conversation about the future of higher education in an era of artificial intelligence, shifting workforce demands, and growing institutional pressures. President Avaltroni shares how FDU is reimagining education through its “humanics” approach, combining technological and data literacy with human connection, empathy, and judgment. Together, they explore AI integration, lifelong learning, public policy, and how universities can prepare students not just for their first jobs, but for a rapidly changing future.

Dr. JP Novin is joined by Dr. Krista Newkirk, President of the University of Redlands, for a conversation on the future of higher education in the age of artificial intelligence. Together, they explore why a liberal arts education remains essential for developing the critical thinking, communication, and ethical leadership skills that AI cannot replace. President Newkirk also shares how the University of Redlands is approaching institutional growth through strategic partnerships, reimagining the student experience, and preparing graduates to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving world.

Dr. Pradeep K. Khosla, Chancellor of UC San Diego, joins Dr. JP Novin to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education and what it will take for institutions to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world. Together, they explore AI's impact on the workforce, the growing importance of balancing technological innovation with human-centered learning, and why the humanities remain essential in preparing adaptable graduates. Chancellor Khosla also shares insights into leading one of the nation's largest public research universities, managing unprecedented institutional growth, and navigating the financial and strategic challenges facing higher education.

Dr. Ali Malekzadeh, President of Roosevelt University, joins Dr. JP Novin to discuss how institutions can remain resilient in an era of enrollment challenges, financial pressures, and rapid technological change. From Roosevelt's remarkable enrollment turnaround to the strategic use of AI across university operations, they explore how innovation can improve efficiency, strengthen student success, and prepare institutions for the future. The conversation also examines the impact of higher education policy, evolving workforce demands, and why expanding access to higher education remains essential for social mobility and long-term economic growth.

Hillary Link, President of Drew University, joins Dr. JP Novin to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming higher education and why institutions must rethink traditional models of learning. Together, they discuss individualized education, the future of work, AI-driven innovation, and how universities can foster creativity, adaptability, and human potential in a rapidly changing world.

James Lentini, President of Molloy University, joins Dr. JP Novin to explore how higher education can adapt in an era of rapid technological change, evolving federal policy, and shifting workforce demands. Together, they discuss AI's growing role on campus, the future of healthcare education, enrollment challenges, and why agile leadership and strategic planning are essential for colleges and universities navigating an increasingly uncertain landscape.

Dr. JP Novin welcomes Dr. Mohamed Abousalem, President of Keck Graduate Institute, for a conversation on the future of healthcare education in an AI-driven world. Together, they discuss how graduate institutions can prepare students for rapidly evolving careers in the life sciences, the importance of industry partnerships in shaping curriculum, and why human judgment and interdisciplinary collaboration remain essential as AI transforms healthcare. Dr. Abousalem also shares how KGI is preparing impact-ready graduates by combining scientific expertise with technology, innovation, and real-world experience.

Dr. JP Novin welcomes Dr. Dan Myers, President of Misericordia University, for a conversation on the future of higher education in an era of demographic change, evolving workforce demands, and artificial intelligence. Together, they discuss innovative enrollment strategies, the role of AI in improving institutional efficiency, and how universities can develop new academic programs that meet the needs of students and employers alike. Dr. Myers also shares why authentic student engagement and strong campus relationships remain the foundation of lasting institutional success.

Dr. JP Novin welcomes Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, Chancellor of Dakota State University, for a conversation on the future of higher education in an AI-driven world. Together, they explore how institutions can balance technological innovation with human-centered learning, the growing importance of workforce-aligned education, and the evolving role of liberal arts in preparing adaptable graduates. Dr. Griffiths also shares insights on AI adoption in higher education, research and industry partnerships, and why universities must embrace thoughtful transformation while keeping people—not technology—at the center of the learning experience.

Dr. JP Novin welcomes Dr. Ricky Shabazz, President of San Diego City College, for a conversation on the evolving role of community colleges in preparing students for the future of work. Together, they discuss expanding access through dual enrollment, apprenticeships, and affordable bachelor's degree pathways, the impact of AI on teaching and learning, and the importance of ensuring technology enhances opportunity rather than deepening equity gaps. Dr. Shabazz also shares how San Diego City College is addressing housing affordability, workforce partnerships, and student success while staying rooted in its mission of access, innovation, and social justice.

Dr. Angela Franklin, President of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, joins Dr. JP Novin to discuss how higher education can prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals in an era shaped by AI and evolving public policy. Together, they explore the future of medical education, ethical AI integration, workforce development, financial challenges facing graduate education, and the importance of pairing technological innovation with critical thinking, compassion, and human judgment to improve patient care.

Christina Clark, President of La Roche University, joins Dr. JP Novin to discuss how higher education can prepare students for success in an AI-driven world while staying true to its mission of developing ethical, resilient leaders. Together, they explore AI literacy across every discipline, workforce readiness, experiential learning, federal higher education policy, and the growing importance of industry partnerships. President Clark also shares why helping students discover purpose, think critically, and apply technology responsibly will define the future of higher education.

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Laura R. Walker, Strategic Advisor to the Board of Trustees and former President of Bennington College, to explore how higher education can prepare students for an AI-driven future without losing sight of its core mission. They discuss information literacy, ethical AI, the future of liberal arts, public trust in higher education, and the importance of curiosity, critical thinking, and civil discourse. Drawing from her leadership in both higher education and public media, Walker shares why lifelong learning and human-centered education will be essential as technology continues to reshape society.

r. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Lynne Coy-Ogan, President of Husson University, to discuss how experiential learning, technology, and the human element are coming together to prepare students for a changing workforce. From internship-driven learning and online expansion to AI adoption, financial aid policy, and the future of stackable credentials, Dr. Coy-Ogan shares the principles behind what she calls the Husson Model and why ethics, empathy, and real-world experience remain essential in higher education.

In this episode, Dr. JP Novin sits down with Aaron Sadoff, President of Marian University, to discuss the future of higher education in an era defined by AI, shifting workforce demands, and evolving student expectations. Together, they explore enrollment strategy, higher education policy, work-integrated learning, and the growing importance of partnerships in sustaining institutional success. President Sadoff shares how Marian University is adapting to demographic and economic headwinds while remaining committed to developing students who are not only career-ready, but prepared to make a meaningful impact in their communities and the world.

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Mahesh Daas, President of Boston Architectural College, to explore how AI is reshaping the workforce, fueling student anxiety, and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship. They discuss the future of higher education, the importance of adaptability in an era of rapid technological change, and why institutions must balance innovation with enduring human skills. Dr. Daas also shares Boston Architectural College's unique model for preparing students for career success, his perspective on AI's impact on design professions, and how colleges can build more agile structures to meet the demands of a changing economy.

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Panos Kanelos, Founding President of the University of Austin, for a thought-provoking conversation on artificial intelligence, institutional innovation, and the future of higher education. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping the value of a college education, why universities must focus on cultivating human wisdom rather than simply delivering information, and what it will take for institutions to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. Panos also shares his vision for launching new models of higher education, restoring public trust, reducing costs, and driving meaningful innovation across the sector.

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Gregory Jones, President of Belmont University, for a conversation on AI, federal policy, and the future of higher education. Dr. Jones shares how Belmont is navigating growth and innovation while remaining focused on its core mission of developing leaders of character, wisdom, and purpose. Together, they explore the impact of artificial intelligence on learning, the challenges facing colleges and universities, the importance of the humanities, and why higher education must move beyond information delivery toward personalized learning, mentorship, and human flourishing in a rapidly changing world.

In Episode 5 of Season 4 of the Plexus Presidential Podcast, Dr. JP Novin sits down with Steven Weiner, President of Menlo College, to explore how higher education must evolve in an era defined by AI, workforce disruption, and rapid technological change. From Menlo's Silicon Valley roots and mandatory internship program to the growing importance of human skills, adaptability, and experiential learning, the conversation examines what it means to prepare students for careers that may not yet exist. President Weiner also shares his perspective on federal higher education policy, the future of AI in learning, and why helping students become "future ready" may be one of the most important responsibilities of colleges and universities today.

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Rachelle Keck, President of Grand View University, about the future of higher education at the intersection of affordability, federal student aid policy, and artificial intelligence. The conversation explores the importance of access and socioeconomic mobility, the unintended consequences of new graduate loan caps, and why adaptability is becoming the defining skill for both students and institutions. Dr. Keck also shares how Grand View is leveraging innovation, personalized learning, and career-focused pathways to prepare learners for a rapidly changing workforce.

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Geordie Hyland, President of American College of Education, about the future of affordable, career-focused higher education in the age of AI. The conversation explores student debt, workforce readiness, AI literacy, online learning innovation, and why institutions must prioritize flexibility, teaching quality, and measurable student outcomes to remain relevant in a rapidly changing economy.

Dr. JP Novin speaks with John R. Loyack, President of Rider University, about the growing pressures reshaping higher education, from AI and workforce disruption to affordability and federal policy changes. The conversation explores why institutions must become more nimble, experiential, and human-centered to prepare students for a rapidly evolving economy while maintaining the value of the college experience.

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Bryon Grigsby, President of Moravian University, about why higher education is facing an existential moment in the age of AI. The conversation explores institutional transformation, the future of workforce preparation, AI-driven curriculum redesign, and why colleges must evolve beyond traditional learning models to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Higher education is navigating a period of unprecedented transformation as the "Golden Ticket" of the past is being radically rewritten. Coming soon to Season 4 of the Plexus Presidential Podcast, host Dr. JP Novin continues the vital conversations sparked at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit. This season, Dr. Novin acts as a strategic thought partner to leaders from institutions like Dartmouth, UC San Diego, and Old Dominion University to explore the shifting landscape of federal policy and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. We're diving deep into the implications of the "Big Beautiful Bill," the fight for equity in an AI-enabled world, and the institutional courage required to lead through rapid change. The mission of the academy is evolving—join us as we navigate the visionary strategies defining the future of higher education. Season 4 is coming your way soon.

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Lynne Coy-Ogan, President of Husson University, to discuss how career-focused institutions are evolving in the age of AI.Dr. Coy-Ogan shares how Husson blends strong employer partnerships and experiential learning—with 93% of students completing internships—to drive a 96% career placement rate. The conversation explores how AI is being integrated as a tool for efficiency while maintaining a strong focus on the human element, ethical use, and real-world readiness. Together, they examine how institutions can balance innovation, affordability, and hands-on learning to prepare students for an increasingly technology-driven workforce.

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Bennie Harris, Chancellor of the University of South Carolina Upstate, to discuss how higher education is evolving in the age of AI.Dr. Harris shares how USC Upstate is aligning its mission with workforce outcomes, aiming for nearly all graduates to secure employment or enter professional school within months of graduation. The conversation explores AI as an “and” proposition—highlighting the importance of human-machine collaboration, ethical AI use, and the growing need for adaptable, career-ready skills. Together, they examine the future of entry-level jobs, institutional agility, and how universities can build more responsive, future-focused learning models.

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Donna Hodge, the 12th and first woman president of Fitchburg State University, about the evolving role of regional public universities in an AI-driven world.Dr. Hodge reframes AI as a fundamental literacy shift and shares how Fitchburg State is embedding AI across disciplines, rethinking pedagogy, and preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce. The conversation also highlights the enduring value of the humanities, the importance of experiential learning, and how institutions can remain agile while expanding access and opportunity.

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Glynis Fitzgerald, President of Alvernia University, about the headwinds facing higher education, including the enrollment cliff and the rise of AI. They discuss Alvernia's growth strategy, from supporting first-generation students and launching new programs to integrating AI literacy, experiential learning, and AI-powered admissions tools to prepare students for the evolving workforce.

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Eric Kaler, President of Case Western Reserve University, about higher education, human capital, and the accelerating impact of AI innovation. Dr. Kaler discusses Case Western Reserve's continued focus on the traditional 18–22-year-old undergraduate experience and why the four-year model remains critical for student development. He also highlights the university's growth as an R1 research institution, particularly in AI and data science. The conversation explores how AI is reshaping the workforce, the importance of ensuring students are AI literate, and how advances in AI are driving changes in pedagogy and assessment across higher education.

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Joseph Chillo about the impact of AI on higher education and the future workforce. Dr. Chillo outlines Thomas More University's strategy for embedding AI and technology across the curriculum, grounded in ethical responsibility and Catholic values. The conversation explores how the university is adapting traditional academic structures through stackable credentials and flexible pathways while reinforcing the long-term value and ROI of a liberal arts education. Dr. Chillo also discusses the evolving role of faculty, shifting from content delivery to guiding students in how to critically evaluate and effectively use information, including AI-generated content.

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Christina Clark, President of La Roche University, about the institution's mission to prepare students as engaged global and U.S. citizens and its expanding international initiatives. The conversation explores the growing impact of AI on higher education and the workforce, with Dr. Clark outlining La Roche's response to the “fourth industrial revolution” through a faculty-first approach, an AI Academy, and the integration of AI literacy and ethical use across the curriculum, including a required AI literacy certificate for graduating seniors. Together, Dr. Clark and Dr. Novin emphasize the importance of pairing technological skills with essential human skills such as critical thinking, communication, and judgment, while addressing the rapid acceleration of AI-driven workforce change, which Dr. Clark describes as a looming crisis that will require broader government action.

JP Novin welcomes Danielle Wilken, President of the University of Bridgeport, and Elena Cahill, Vice President of Strategic Planning, Innovation, and Advancement, for a conversation on AI in higher education. The discussion explores how the University of Bridgeport is integrating AI into its curriculum as an essential tool for the future workforce, highlighting initiatives such as AI and Robotics labs, co-located advanced manufacturing centers, and a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence. Wilken and Cahill emphasize the importance of blending liberal arts skills with career-ready training, responding to rapid job displacement through microcredentialing, and maintaining a strong focus on industry partnerships and student entrepreneurship.

Dr. JP Novin talks with Dr. Jeffrey Docking about the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence in business, research, and higher education. Dr. Docking shares how Adrian College integrates AI across the curriculum, including the creation of RISE Education to support shared courses and new academic pathways. The conversation focuses on higher education's responsibility to prepare students for an AI-driven future by emphasizing uniquely human skills such as emotional intelligence, creativity, decision-making, and ethical reasoning, while also preparing learners for emerging roles in AI compliance and ethics. Dr. Docking also discusses the importance of curriculum redesign and explains how Adrian's enrollment success is driven by pairing technical degrees with a strong co-curricular experience.

Dr. JP Novin talks with Brien Lewis, President of Transylvania University, about how artificial intelligence is shaping higher education and the future workforce. President Lewis explains how Transylvania adapts its curriculum to emphasize critical thinking, communication, and collaboration, while taking a balanced approach to AI by encouraging students to learn and use the tools in some contexts and restricting their use in others to ensure independent skill development. He highlights new initiatives such as a Data Analytics program and an accelerated three-year degree option, and frames the current moment as a shift into a “conceptual age,” where empathy and ethics become increasingly valuable. The conversation also explores Transylvania's investment in digital liberal arts, its consideration of process-based grading, and its partnership with the University of Kentucky to support innovation and student success.

Dr. JP Novin talks with President Derek Brown of Barclay College about the institution's mission, faith-based and vocational focus, and its tuition-free model supported by donor contributions. President Brown discusses the enrollment challenges tied to Barclay's remote location and its commitment to maintaining a clear institutional identity, as well as the college's cautious, consensus-driven approach to integrating artificial intelligence in education. He explains how Barclay emphasizes a humanities-centered curriculum and teaches students to use AI as a “junior research assistant” to support ethical reasoning, creativity, and quality control, while reflecting on the broader implications of AI for the future workforce, ministry, and the evolving nature of academic research.

Dr. JP Novin talks with Aaron Sadoff, President of Marian University, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education and the future workforce. President Sadoff shares how his background in K–12 education informs Marian University's transformation around AI, with a focus on preparing learners to be “best for the world.” The conversation highlights the growing importance of foundational skills, critical thinking, and adaptability as automation reshapes entry-level jobs, and explores how Marian is responding through AI-adjacent majors, evolving faculty roles centered on higher-level teaching, and the Marian Promise, which guarantees tuition stability. Together, they emphasize the need for institutions to collaborate in teaching AI as an essential skill set to support student success and equity.

Dr. JP Novin talks to Dr. Kate Smith, President of Rio Salado College, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the workforce and redefining the role of higher education. Dr. Smith explains that AI is not replacing most jobs but fundamentally changing them, making adaptability and continuous learning essential. She emphasizes the need for institutions to prioritize durable skills such as data literacy, critical thinking, communication, and learning how to learn, noting that graduates will enter careers that will evolve rapidly. Dr. Smith also argues that traditional degree structures must shift toward more flexible, skills-based and lifelong learning models, supported by micro-credentials and ongoing reskilling, while human-centered skills, ethical judgment, and the ability to question AI-generated information remain critical as higher education integrates AI into teaching and learning.

Dr. JP Novin welcomes Dr. Mahesh Daas, President of Boston Architectural College, to the podcast to discuss AI's impact on higher education and the future workforce. Dr. Novin highlights Plexuss's role in enrollment marketing and shares his pursuit of a doctorate in higher education. Dr. Daas provides an overview of Boston Architectural College's 137-year history and its distinctive work-integrated educational model, along with the institution's scholarly focus on robotics, AI, and design computation, including works such as Towards Robotic Architecture.Their conversation frames AI as the fourth industrial revolution, using the SMR framework, and explores how creative and cognitive work is increasingly vulnerable, while human excellence and the bespoke, relationship-driven nature of architecture continue to hold value. Dr. Daas emphasizes that education must prioritize “learning to learn” in order to adapt to collaboration with nonhuman intelligences and that experimentation through “sandboxes” is essential before regulation. He further stresses the responsibility of leadership to ensure that rapid AI adoption does not deepen social inequity by creating a divide between “humans with AI” and “humans without AI,” urging thoughtful, critical engagement with AI to empower individuals and society during this period of disruption.

Dr. JP Novin and Dr. Paul Maurer discuss AI's growing impact on the workforce and education, with Dr. Maurer, President of Montreat College, emphasizing that AI is reshaping learning from K–doctorate and poses the greatest risk to “knowledge workers,” as defined by Peter Drucker. Dr. Maurer explains Montreat College's response, including developing a theological position on AI to affirm the distinction between humans and technology, promoting AI literacy through responsible use, and launching an AI minor under the college's nationally recognized Center for Cyber Security Education and Research, designated a Center of Academic Excellence by the NSA in 2017. He underscores that Montreat's mission in higher education is to form human beings with character and wisdom, framing challenges like AI and cybersecurity as fundamentally human issues and suggesting that AI may push higher education back toward core liberal arts principles—especially learning how to ask truly meaningful questions.

Dr. JP Novin welcomes President Laura Walker to discuss AI education and the future workforce. President Walker explains Bennington College's student-centered, interdisciplinary approach, where students design their own education and participate in internships as a core part of their learning.She discusses the impact of AI on the workforce, highlighting Bennington's “AI and Ethics” course and the college's commitment to integrating AI while carefully considering its ethical implications. President Walker emphasizes that Bennington College will maintain its core values, embed AI across the curriculum, and evolve into a multigenerational campus.

Dr. JP Novin welcomes Dr. Pano Kanelos - who has an extensive background in higher education and is the founding president of the University of Austin, and now a founding partner of the Athos group - to discuss the impact of AI, the future workforce, and the challenges facing higher education.Dr. Kanelos explains the founding of the University of Austin (UATX) and the creation of the AOS group, which supports new institutions with strategic planning and accreditation. He highlights UATX's tuition-free model for its inaugural classes and outlines how the institution is designed to rethink traditional higher-ed structures.The discussion centers on Dr. Kanelos's view that universities are “radically unprepared” for the disruption AI is creating, as traditional knowledge-economy education becomes increasingly obsolete. He argues that the current accreditation system is a major barrier to innovation. As solutions, Dr. Kanelos proposes creating a new global accreditor focused on innovation, reducing the bachelor's degree to three years to lower costs, and emphasizing the value of a liberal arts education—preparing students to “outthink the machines” by strengthening the mind.

Dr. JP Novin welcomes Dr. Catherine Wehlburg, President of Athens State University, to discuss the university's focus on upper-division courses and transfer students, emphasizing accessible education for adult learners and career-connected programs. Dr. Wehlburg shares her background in higher education administration and explains how Athens State integrates AI literacy into its curriculum to prepare students for workforce changes and promote lifelong learning through a “50-year curriculum.” Together, Dr. JP Novin and Dr. Wehlburg highlight the university's AI initiatives, including a new certificate program and specialized courses, and discuss how Athens State continuously updates its academic offerings through industry partnerships and advisory boards to stay aligned with evolving workforce needs and regulations.