Generation AI

From AI features to AI teammates, exponential vs incremental change, student satisfaction metrics, culture transformation

Episode Summary

In this special episode recorded at Engage 2025, Generation AI hosts Ardis Kadiu and Dr. JC Bonilla sit down with Dr. Tracy Brundage, President of ABAC in Georgia, for a candid conversation about the real challenges of AI transformation in higher education. Moving beyond the typical efficiency metrics, they explore what it truly means to be "AI powered, people focused" and why incremental change isn't enough anymore. The discussion reveals that the biggest obstacles aren't technological—they're human, cultural, and structural. With students arriving on campus after years of ChatGPT use in high school, the panel examines how institutions must fundamentally rethink their approach to education, moving from delivering more software features to providing AI teammates that actually get used. This conversation offers practical insights for leaders struggling to balance rapid technological change with the timeless mission of creating belonging and connection for students.

Episode Notes

In this special episode recorded at Engage 2025, Generation AI hosts Ardis Kadiu and Dr. JC Bonilla sit down with Dr. Tracy Brundage, President of ABAC in Georgia, for a candid conversation about the real challenges of AI transformation in higher education. Moving beyond the typical efficiency metrics, they explore what it truly means to be "AI powered, people focused" and why incremental change isn't enough anymore. The discussion reveals that the biggest obstacles aren't technological—they're human, cultural, and structural. With students arriving on campus after years of ChatGPT use in high school, the panel examines how institutions must fundamentally rethink their approach to education, moving from delivering more software features to providing AI teammates that actually get used. This conversation offers practical insights for leaders struggling to balance rapid technological change with the timeless mission of creating belonging and connection for students.

Opening: The State of AI in Higher Education (00:00:08)

• Closing session from Engage 2025 conference in Charlotte
• Theme: "AI powered, people focused" frames every conversation
• AI becoming foundation of campus services, not just an add-on
• Panel explores obstacles and transformation challenges

The Exponential vs. Incremental Problem (00:03:31)

• Artists identifies gap between incremental desires and exponential needs
• People asking for efficiency gains while missing bigger transformation questions
• Old ways of thinking blocking adoption of transformative approaches
• Need to change internally to make things better for students

Beyond Technology: The Real Barriers (00:06:06)

• Tracy identifies culture, systems, and structure as main obstacles
• "Sometimes less is less" - the problem of wearing too many hats
• Students arriving with 4 years of ChatGPT experience from high school
• Challenge of evolving academic integrity in digital age

The 93% Problem: Unused Features (00:08:14)

• Across industries, 93% of software features go unused
• Adding more features increases anxiety rather than solving problems
• Element451 shifting from features to AI agents that handle entire workflows
• Focus on delivering teammates, not tools

AI as a Unifying Force (00:09:22)

• Discussion of AI breaking down traditional silos
• ABAC bringing admissions and alumni into same office
• AI accelerating organizational transformation
• Change management as the critical factor, not technology

Measuring What Matters: Student Experience (00:13:04)

• Moving beyond efficiency metrics like hours saved
• Student belonging and connection as key success indicators
• Why higher ed lacks customer satisfaction scores for students
• AI exposing existing cracks in educational systems

The Unknown Future of Work and Education (00:17:19)

• Preparing students for jobs that don't exist yet
• Legacy programs may not offer viable career pathways
• 20% chance AI development goes wrong, 80% chance for abundance
• Building for next 6 months while future remains uncertain

Closing Wisdom and North Star Advice (00:21:14)

• Tracy: "Design with empathy, lead with curiosity, never lose sight of the student"
• Artists: Everyone is figuring it out together, no true experts exist
• Start where you are and keep building incrementally
• JC: "Be a manager of AI and leader of people"