Peak Higher Ed: Navigating the Future of Colleges and Universities in an Era of Disruption and Reinvention

Bryan Alexander - Georgetown University

Higher education is confronting one of the most consequential periods of change in its history, and the decisions institutions make now will shape the next generation of learning. Bryan Alexander, one of the foremost voices on the future of higher education, draws on decades of research, ongoing analysis of emerging trends, and insights from his book Peak Higher Ed to explore the forces redefining colleges and universities. From declining enrollment and demographic shifts to artificial intelligence, affordability concerns, workforce expectations, and public trust, Alexander examines the pressures reshaping higher education and what leaders can do to prepare for what comes next. Through research, scenario planning, and practical examples, he challenges institutions to move beyond reacting to disruption and toward intentional reinvention. Rather than offering simple predictions, Alexander provides frameworks for resilience, innovation, and long-term planning while asking audiences to consider not only how institutions survive change, but how they continue fulfilling their mission and strengthening communities. This timely keynote offers a clear-eyed yet hopeful perspective on the future of higher education and the leadership required to shape it.

Learning Objectives

  1. Identify key demographic, technological, economic, and cultural trends reshaping higher education.
  2. Analyze practical frameworks for strategic planning, resilience, and institutional adaptation.
  3. Demonstrate how colleges and universities can evolve while preserving mission, relevance, and community impact.

CPE Available

  • 1 Credit: Specialized Knowledge