Insights from Higher Ed Leaders: How to Serve Modern Learners Now and Beyond

At the 2025 Modern Campus User Conference, higher education leaders from across the sector shared candid reflections on the realities shaping today’s learning landscape, and what institutions must do to keep pace. Through short reflections, these expert voices highlight the growing importance of communication, personalization and technology in supporting a rapidly evolving, diverse student population. 

What follows is a curated set of insights—grounded in industry leaders’ own words—that capture where higher ed is today and where it’s headed next.   

Communication as the Cornerstone of Personalization

“

Communication is very important when you're trying to connect with your students... but you have to make sure you're reaching them where they are in a timely manner. You're creating the ‘what's next’ moment for them.”

Stephanie GreggOperations Manager, Greenville Technical College

Personalization begins with communication, especially as student journeys become more complex and less linear. Clear, intentional guidance is a critical enabler of student success, supporting their pathway to leading with self-confidence. 

“Personalization matters because today's learners expect experiences that recognize who they are: their goals, interests and identities. When engagement feels relevant and responsive, students are more likely to connect, persist and thrive.” 

Heather Williams | Director of Student Engagement & Belonging, Dalton State College 

As learner populations grow more diverse, the one-size-fits-all model no longer reflects reality. Students require flexibility and accommodation for life beyond the classroom. 

“A lot of our learners are not traditional. They're not 18 just out of high school. Being personalized can help them work at their own pace.”  

Cierra Shiftlett | Catalog and Curriculum Administrator, Fayetteville State University 

Making Students Feel Seen and Supported

“

Genuine communication allows me to really understand what types of challenges my students are seeing, and the ability to transform programming into meaningful experiences students will remember. And they'll associate that with the university, which keeps them coming back."

David GehrelsDirector of Student Activities, Schreiner University

Communication goes hand in hand with relationship-building. Done well, a closer-knit community is created, informing better programming and supporting retention and persistence. 

"If you get more personable [with students], it makes them feel valued and know that they're noticed. By doing that, it builds a better connection and makes them want to get that education and be motivated.” 

Tabitha Banks | Coordinator of Curriculum and Academic Support, Chattanooga State Community College 

The Evolving Definition of a Student 

“

I think we're going to see that older generation coming back to get credentials to boost their portfolio and look for that monetary upgrade. We're going to see a boom in adult learners along with that online, cross-country learner.”

Christie MazzaAssociate Registrar, Rowan University

The future of higher ed is being shaped by adult, online and lifelong learners who increasingly make up a larger share of the student population. This shift challenges long-held assumptions about who institutions are designed to serve, while calling on them to recognize credential and non-credit learners as part of the student community. 

“People will be learning all their lives. But I think the credit side struggles to see [microcredential learners] as actual students, so that’s where we have to adjust.” 

Jean D | Operations Manager, St. Charles Community College 

Anchoring Education to Real-World Outcomes 

“

We began utilizing Modern Campus’ Career Pathways, and it really does show what students can do after graduation. A student may be interested in arts degrees, but they don't know what kind of career they can get. We can now show in our catalogs how to use degrees in the future.”

Christina GenovevoCurriculum Management Coordinator, Coastal Carolina University

One common challenge is helping learners clearly understand how their education translates into career opportunities. It’s important to amplify outcomes by highlighting alumni pathways, listening to industry and aligning programs with workforce needs. 

“With our program advisory committees, [we hear] what’s going on in the workforce and pay attention to data, and that informs our decisions.” 

Kristine Meshak | Curriculum Data Manager, University of Wisconsin-Stout 

Technology as a Tool for Connection

“

Community and belonging are strengthened on campus via technology because of 24/7 access. This gives students that on-demand experience."

Carol BakerAcademic Systems Administrator, Butler University

While technology is often discussed in terms of efficiency, its role in creating access, reassurance and a sense of institutional support is instrumental, especially for learners who haven’t lived without modern tech. 

“The biggest innovation right now is AI and that plays into education, especially with our younger students who have adopted it almost out of the cradle. I think using AI to better reach our students is critical, and we have to meet them where they already are.” 

Rick Brown | Web Administrator, Sandhills Community College 

Tune In for More Industry Insights 

Listen to the Illumination podcast episode here. 

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Last updated: January 23, 2026