Higher education and K-12 leaders are navigating a new reality: more data, more systems, more expectations, and more pressure to act quickly. Yet despite unprecedented access to information, institutions face the same challenge — turning that information into confident, trusted action.

Join education, technology, and cybersecurity leaders for a candid conversation on how AI, connected data, and human-centered leadership are helping institutions lead through change with clarity and confidence. From identifying student needs earlier to strengthening relationships with families, alumni, donors, and communities, this session explores what it truly means to become an intelligent institution — one where people, data, and technology work together to advance outcomes and mission impact.

The discussion will also spotlight the growing importance of connected ecosystems, including the Blackbaud and Student First partnership, and how institutions can bring together the full educational journey — from recruitment to lifelong engagement — with trust, security, and purpose at the core.

Key topics include:

• AI as a force multiplier for decision-making and institutional knowledge
• Trust, cybersecurity, governance, and responsible AI adoption
• Leading through organizational change and uncertainty
• Strengthening relationships across the educational ecosystem
• Connecting data across departments to create actionable intelligence
• How the Blackbaud and Student First partnership is helping institutions connect the journey from recruitment through lifelong engagement
• Turning insight into measurable enrollment, student success, advancement, and community outcomes