MAY 2026

This issue of Higher Education Digest brings together a diverse collection of perspectives from academic leaders, innovators, and industry experts who are examining how education continues to evolve in response to economic, technological, and societal change. Together, these conversations reveal a sector at an important crossroads.

Stanton University

Preparing Global Leaders Through Accessible Future Ready Education

At a time when many global higher education institutions compete through rankings and prestige, Stanton University focuses its education on accessibility and affordability. Located in Southern California, the private nonprofit university places strong emphasis on the quality of higher education being practical and relevant.

Medical University of Plovdiv

Educating Future Healthcare Leaders Through Clinical Excellence Research and Global Collaboration

Founded in 1945, Medical University of Plovdiv has grown into one of Bulgaria’s most respected medical institutions. Over the past eight decades, the university has built a strong reputation for academic rigor, clinical training, and international education.

Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders through Quality Education

Dr. Rachel Bonaparte, Associate Vice President, Teaching Learning and Student Success, Prince George's Community College

Dr. Rachel Bonaparte is the Associate Vice President for Teaching, Learning, and Student Success at Prince George’s Community College, where she leads academic innovation, student success strategy, and key operational initiatives across the area.

Rethinking Power Policy and Prosperity in the Age of AI

Adriana Hoyos, Professor of AI Economics, Digital Ecosystems, and Geopolitics, IE University

Adriana Hoyos brings over 25 years of global experience as a board director, advisor, banking executive, strategy consultant, and academic. Her work centers on AI economics, digital transformation, platform markets, public policy, ESG, and geopolitics.

Empowering Educators for Student Success

Dr. Patricia Baia, Assistant Dean of Teaching Effectiveness, Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center

Patricia Baia, Ph.D., is Assistant Dean of Teaching Effectiveness at Touro Law, Adjunct Professor at Touro University’s Graduate School of Technology, and Touro University’s AI Fellow for 2026.

Trust Led Growth in a Digital First Global Education Landscape

Anthony Owen, Head of Market Development for Europe and the USA, Dublin Business School

Anthony (Tony) Owen leads international recruitment, market expansion, and strategic partnership development across key European markets and the United States.

Leading Academic Transformation with Purpose and Vision

Dr. Lisa Clark, Associate Vice President, Academic Transformation, Blackboard-

Lisa A. Clark, Ed.D., is the Associate Vice President of Academic Transformation at Blackboard LMS. Named one of the Top 50 Voices to Follow in Higher Education for 2026, she is recognized for her thought leadership in AI, pedagogy, and academic transformation.

Transforming Higher Ed with AI and Design

Paxton Riter, Co-Founder and CEO, iDesign-

Paxton Riter is Co-Founder and CEO of iDesign, an education technology company that helps universities design, build, scale, and continuously improve high-quality online and blended programs.