Unlocking the Potential of AI for Higher Education Professionals
November 7 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
We are excited to have the privilege of hosting an incredible Executive in Residence: Dr. Claire Brady, a national thought leader in AI adoption who has served in leadership roles at Lake Sumter State College, Ana G. Mendéz University and in Puerto Rico.
She will lead insightful discussions on the following topics:
- The transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Grasping the essentials and identifying applications of AI
- How to drive student success and enhance work-life integration through AI
- Discover high-impact practices and be inspired to experiment with AI in your work
The summit will feature a variety of sessions throughout the day, suited for all professional levels. We'd love for you to share this invite with your team and encourage them to join us for this valuable learning and networking opportunity.
Dr. Claire Brady
Dr. Claire Brady is a seasoned higher education executive and nationally recognized thought leader in artificial intelligence, organizational development, and institutional strategy. With over 25 years of experience spanning student affairs, academic leadership, and executive consulting, Claire has guided institutions through digital transformation and cultural change with clarity, care, and a bias toward action.
Claire’s approach is guided by the “glass half full” philosophy that gives her consulting firm its name—grounded in the belief that optimism, when paired with strategy, can turn challenges into opportunities. Claire is the author of The Transformative Potential of AI: Recommendations for Student Affairs Leaders, a national report published in partnership with NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and the Strada Education Foundation.
Connect with Claire:
Session Schedule
8:30 – 9 a.m. | Arrival and Coffee
9 - 9:15 a.m. | Opening Remarks and Welcome
Location: Student Services Building
9:15 - 10:15 a.m. | Unlocking the Potential of AI for Higher Education Professionals
Location: Student Services Building
Guest Speaker: Dr. Claire Brady
Topic: In this interactive keynote presentation, we explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its profound impact on how we work and live in an AI-enhanced world. Through compelling examples and real-world use cases, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of AI's applications in driving student success, enhancing work-life integration, and freeing up time for deeper, more meaningful human connections.
10:45 - 11:45 a.m. | AI-Powered Productivity- Transforming your Administrative Tasks for Maximum Impact
Location: Student Services Building
Guest Speaker: Dr. Claire Brady
Topic: This training is designed for professionals looking to improve operational efficiency and productivity through the use of AI tools. Tailored to the unique needs of your institution, this session will guide participants through identifying automation opportunities, understanding AI applications, and building customized strategies for AI adoption. Real-world examples, collaborative discussions, and practical exercises will ensure that participants leave equipped with actionable insights and a clear roadmap for integrating AI into their daily operations.
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Break
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. | From Promise to Practice: AI’s Role in Higher Ed Accessibility
Location: Student Services Building
Guest Speaker: Dr. Claire Brady
Topic: Explore how higher education professionals can respond to the rising use of AI by ensuring these tools enhance (rather than hinder) inclusive learning environments. Participants will critically evaluate AI applications through an accessibility-first lens, identify emerging biases and systemic barriers, and engage in collaborative problem-solving to develop strategies that reflect accessibility best practices. Through discussions, hands-on analysis, and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, attendees will strengthen their ability to assess, implement, and advocate for AI-powered solutions that promote meaningful access across their institutions.
3 - 4 p.m. | AI in Action: A Hands-On Lab for Student Affairs Professionals
Location: Student Services Building
Guest Speaker: Dr. Claire Brady
Topic: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how Student Affairs teams operate, support students, and plan for the future—but moving from curiosity to confident use takes more than a keynote or panel. This immersive, hands-on AI lab is designed to meet you where you are and help you take the next step with purpose and practicality.
In this interactive “sandbox,” professionals from across Student Affairs—including Auxiliary Services, Housing, Dining, Campus Recreation, Bookstore Services, Student Centers, Career Services, Orientation, Athletics, Conduct, Advising, and more—will explore AI tools and real-world applications tailored to your daily work.
Participants will:
- Get Hands-On with Tools: Test-drive a curated set of AI platforms and features that support student engagement, operational efficiency, and cross-departmental collaboration.
- Apply AI to Real Projects: Use your own challenges and ideas as starting points to explore how AI can streamline workflows, improve communication, or enhance service delivery.
- Build Confidence & Skills: Whether you’re new to AI or already experimenting, this session will expand your fluency and comfort with AI-powered solutions.
- Develop a Game Plan: Leave with a personalized action plan to champion responsible AI use and spark innovation back on campus.