#ChatGPT #highereducation #highered
I prompted chatGPT to host a roundtable of some higher education leaders’ thoughts about the future of higher education. I posed three questions:
- What is the future of higher education?
- What leadership styles and organizational models will be needed to accomplish the future you all described?
- Who are the higher education leaders today that are exemplars of the leadership you all mentioned? In addition, which institutions are models for others to follow?
I had asked ChatGPT before to make a list of the 10 people who are thought to be the most creative and successful leaders in higher education in the last 10 years. These are the leaders I included as panelists.
Here is how the conversation went:
Prompt:
Imagine you have put together a round table, a mastermind group of the following people: Michael Crow, John Hennessy, Freeman Hrabowski III, Drew Gilpin Faust, Christine Ortiz, Mitch Daniels, Sally Kornbluth, Satish Tripathi, Ana Mari Cauce, E. Gordon Gee
Points to consider:
* When I ask a question, speak using their own voice and inflection as you would imagine. Take into account their writings, beliefs, principles and values.
* In dialogue format, encourage debate among them on the topic at hand to further improve conversation.
* Each person should break down their chain of reasoning.
* If they disagree with each other, ask them to debate. If someone disagreed with the group or another person, let them jump in front of someone else, the dialogue does not have to be in order nor should it be.
* Allow some people to hog the conversation.
* randomly select who will speak, it shouldn’t be in a sequential order
* act as a moderator, with the name of Percy, summarizing what the last person said, introducing the next person up, speaking to their accomplishments, and how they may discuss the topic.
Don’t start until I provide a topic.
You should select who talks within the discussion.
Do you understand?
ChatGPT: Yes, I understand. I am to imagine a round table consisting of Michael Crow, John Hennessy, Freeman Hrabowski III, Drew Gilpin Faust, Christine Ortiz, Mitch Daniels, Sally Kornbluth, Satish Tripathi, Ana Mari Cauce, and E. Gordon Gee, and to speak using their own voice and inflection when answering a question. I should encourage debate among them, allow for some people to hog the conversation, and randomly select who will speak. I am to act as a moderator, with the name of Percy, summarizing what the last person said, introducing the next person up, speaking to their accomplishments, and how they may discuss the topic. However, I am to wait until you provide a topic before starting the discussion.
Prompt: What is the future of higher education?
ChatGPT:
Great topic! Let’s begin the discussion with Ana Mari Cauce, President of the University of Washington.
Percy: Ana Mari Cauce, as the President of the University of Washington, what are your thoughts on the future of higher education?
Ana Mari Cauce: Thank you for the question, Percy. I believe the future of higher education lies in providing more accessible and inclusive education for students from diverse backgrounds. We need to focus on creating a more equitable and inclusive environment, so that we can attract a diverse student body and support them throughout their educational journey. It is also important to embrace new technology and innovative approaches to teaching and learning, to ensure that our students are prepared for the rapidly changing job market.
Percy: Thank you, Ana Mari Cauce. Next, let’s hear from John Hennessy, former President of Stanford University.
John Hennessy: Thank you, Percy. I agree with Ana Mari Cauce that higher education needs to become more accessible and inclusive. In addition, I think we need to focus on preparing students for the changing workforce. This includes emphasizing skills like critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. We also need to be more open to new modes of education, such as online learning and experiential learning.
Percy: Thank you, John Hennessy. Let’s hear from Drew Gilpin Faust, former President of Harvard University.
Drew Gilpin Faust: Thank you, Percy. I agree with Ana Mari Cauce and John Hennessy that accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation are critical to the future of higher education. However, I would also like to add that we need to focus on the broader social impact of education. As educators, we have a responsibility to promote values like citizenship, empathy, and social responsibility. We need to prepare our students not just for their careers, but for their roles as citizens of the world.
Percy: Thank you, Drew Gilpin Faust. Next, let’s hear from Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University.
Michael Crow: Thank you, Percy. I believe the future of higher education lies in the intersection of technology, innovation, and social impact. We need to leverage technology to provide more personalized learning experiences, and to make education more affordable and accessible. At the same time, we need to be more intentional about the social impact of education, by focusing on issues like sustainability, diversity, and social justice.
Percy: Thank you, Michael Crow. Next, let’s hear from Freeman Hrabowski III, President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Freeman Hrabowski III: Thank you, Percy. I believe the future of higher education lies in creating a culture of excellence, in which students are challenged and supported to achieve their full potential. This includes emphasizing the importance of hard work, discipline, and resilience, and providing students with mentorship and support. We also need to ensure that education is accessible and affordable, so that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
Percy: Thank you, Freeman Hrabowski III. Next, let’s hear from Christine Ortiz, former Dean for Graduate Education at MIT.
Christine Ortiz: Thank you, Percy. I believe the future of higher education lies in rethinking the traditional models of education, and creating more flexible and dynamic learning experiences. We need to embrace new approaches to teaching and learning, such as project-based learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, and be open to new models of credentialing and certification. At the same time, we need to ensure that education is accessible and affordable for all students.
Percy: Thank you, Christine Ortiz. Next, let’s hear from Mitch Daniels, President of Purdue University.
Mitch Daniels: Thank you, Percy. I believe the future of higher education lies in providing a high-quality, affordable education that prepares students for the workforce. We need to focus on providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers, while also ensuring that education is accessible and affordable for all students. In addition, we need to be more innovative in our approach to education, by leveraging technology and other tools to create more personalized learning experiences.
Percy: Thank you, Mitch Daniels. Next, let’s hear from Sally Kornbluth, Provost at Duke University.
Sally Kornbluth: Thank you, Percy. I believe the future of higher education lies in creating a culture of lifelong learning, in which students are encouraged to continue their education beyond their formal schooling. This includes providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their careers, but also encouraging them to pursue their intellectual passions and interests. We also need to be more intentional about creating opportunities for students to engage with the wider world, and to make a positive impact on their communities.
Percy: Thank you, Sally Kornbluth. Next, let’s hear from Satish Tripathi, President of the University at Buffalo.
Satish Tripathi: Thank you, Percy. I believe the future of higher education lies in being more intentional about diversity, equity, and inclusion. We need to ensure that all students have access to high-quality education, regardless of their background, and create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. In addition, we need to be more innovative in our approach to education, by leveraging technology and other tools to create more personalized learning experiences.
Percy: Thank you, Satish Tripathi. Finally, let’s hear from E. Gordon Gee, President of West Virginia University.
E. Gordon Gee: Thank you, Percy. I believe the future of higher education lies in creating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, in which students are encouraged to be creative and think outside the box. We need to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the workforce, but also encourage them to take risks and pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations. We also need to ensure that education is accessible and affordable for all students, and that we are preparing them for the rapidly changing job market.
Percy: Thank you, E. Gordon Gee. It is clear that the future of higher education requires a focus on accessibility, inclusivity, innovation, social impact, excellence, lifelong learning, diversity, equity, and entrepreneurship. These leaders have shared their perspectives on the future of higher education, and it will be interesting to see how these ideas are implemented in the years to come.
Prompt: A follow up question. What leadership styles and organizational models will be needed to accomplish the future you all described?
ChatGPT:
Great follow-up question! Let’s continue the discussion, starting with John Hennessy, former President of Stanford University.
Percy: John Hennessy, as we think about the future of higher education, what leadership styles and organizational models will be needed to accomplish the future we have described?
John Hennessy: Thank you, Percy. I believe that leadership styles that emphasize collaboration and openness will be critical to the future of higher education. We need leaders who are willing to listen to diverse perspectives and embrace new ideas, and who are able to build strong relationships with faculty, staff, and students. In terms of organizational models, I believe that we need to be more agile and flexible in our approach to education, and be open to new modes of learning and credentialing.
Percy: Thank you, John Hennessy. Next, let’s hear from Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University.
Michael Crow: Thank you, Percy. I agree with John Hennessy that leadership styles that emphasize collaboration and openness will be critical to the future of higher education. In addition, I believe that we need to adopt more networked and distributed organizational models, in which education is delivered through partnerships and collaborations across multiple institutions and organizations. This requires a new level of coordination and communication, but it also offers the potential for greater innovation and impact.
Percy: Thank you, Michael Crow. Next, let’s hear from Christine Ortiz, former Dean for Graduate Education at MIT.
Christine Ortiz: Thank you, Percy. I believe that leadership styles that emphasize vision and creativity will be critical to the future of higher education. We need leaders who are able to articulate a compelling vision for the future of education, and who are able to inspire and motivate others to pursue that vision. In terms of organizational models, I believe that we need to be more decentralized and flexible, and be open to experimentation and innovation at all levels of the organization.
Percy: Thank you, Christine Ortiz. Next, let’s hear from Freeman Hrabowski III, President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Freeman Hrabowski III: Thank you, Percy. I believe that leadership styles that emphasize accountability and results will be critical to the future of higher education. We need leaders who are able to set clear goals and expectations, and who are able to measure and report on progress towards those goals. In terms of organizational models, I believe that we need to be more data-driven and evidence-based, and be open to continuous improvement and innovation.
Percy: Thank you, Freeman Hrabowski III. Next, let’s hear from Satish Tripathi, President of the University at Buffalo.
Satish Tripathi: Thank you, Percy. I believe that leadership styles that emphasize diversity and inclusion will be critical to the future of higher education. We need leaders who are able to build diverse and inclusive teams, and who are able to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the community. In terms of organizational models, I believe that we need to be more collaborative and partnership-oriented, and be open to new models of engagement and community-building.
Percy: Thank you, Satish Tripathi. Next, let’s hear from Sally Kornbluth, Provost at Duke University.
Sally Kornbluth: Thank you, Percy. I believe that leadership styles that emphasize transparency and communication will be critical to the future of higher education. We need leaders who are able to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the community, and who are able to foster a culture of openness and trust. In terms of organizational models, I believe that we need to be more responsive and adaptable, and be open to feedback and input from all members of the community.
Percy: Thank you, Sally Kornbluth. Finally, let’s hear from E. Gordon Gee, President of West Virginia University.
E. Gordon Gee: Thank you, Percy. I believe that leadership styles that emphasize innovation and risk-taking will be critical to the future of higher education. We need leaders who are willing to take bold risks and experiment with new models of education, and who are able to create a culture that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. In terms of organizational models, I believe that we need to be more agile and nimble, and be open to rapid experimentation and iteration.
Percy: Thank you, E. Gordon Gee. It is clear that the future of higher education requires a wide range of leadership styles and organizational models, from collaboration and openness to vision and creativity, accountability and results, diversity and inclusion, transparency and communication, and innovation and risk-taking. These leaders have shared their perspectives on the leadership styles and organizational models that will be needed to achieve the future of higher education, and it will be interesting to see how these ideas are put into practice in the years to come.
Prompt: Last question: Who are the higher education leaders today that are exemplars of the leadership you all mentioned? In addition, which institutions are models for others to follow?
ChatGPT:
Great question. Let’s continue the discussion with Freeman Hrabowski III, President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Percy: Freeman Hrabowski III, who are the higher education leaders today that exemplify the leadership styles and organizational models we have discussed, and which institutions are models for others to follow?
Freeman Hrabowski III: Thank you, Percy. There are many leaders and institutions that are exemplars of the leadership styles and organizational models we have discussed. One example of a leader who embodies collaboration and openness is L. Rafael Reif, the President of MIT. He has been a champion of interdisciplinary collaboration and has worked to foster partnerships across different fields and institutions.
Another example of a leader who embodies vision and creativity is Sylvia Burwell, the President of American University. She has been a vocal advocate for the importance of education in promoting social mobility and has led efforts to make higher education more accessible and inclusive.
In terms of institutions that are models for others to follow, I would point to the University of California, San Francisco, which has been a leader in using data and evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes. They have been able to achieve impressive results in areas like student retention and graduation rates, while also promoting diversity and inclusion.
Another institution that is a model for others to follow is Georgia State University, which has been a leader in using technology and data analytics to support student success. They have been able to dramatically improve student outcomes, particularly for underrepresented students, by providing personalized support and coaching based on student data.
Percy: Thank you, Freeman Hrabowski III. Next, let’s hear from Drew Gilpin Faust, former President of Harvard University.
Drew Gilpin Faust: Thank you, Percy. I would also like to mention a few leaders and institutions that exemplify the leadership styles and organizational models we have discussed. One example of a leader who embodies transparency and communication is Mark Schlissel, the President of the University of Michigan. He has been a vocal advocate for transparency and has worked to ensure that all members of the community have access to the information they need to make informed decisions.
Another example of a leader who embodies diversity and inclusion is Sylvia Acevedo, the former CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA. She has been a vocal advocate for the importance of diversity and inclusion in education and has worked to ensure that all girls, regardless of their background, have access to high-quality education and support.
In terms of institutions that are models for others to follow, I would point to the University of Texas at Austin, which has been a leader in using data and evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes. They have been able to achieve impressive results in areas like student retention and graduation rates, while also promoting diversity and inclusion.
Another institution that is a model for others to follow is Arizona State University, which has been a leader in using innovation and entrepreneurship to drive student success. They have been able to create a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, in which students are encouraged to take risks and pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Percy: Thank you, Drew Gilpin Faust. It is clear that there are many leaders and institutions that are exemplars of the leadership styles and organizational models we have discussed, from collaboration and openness to transparency and communication, diversity and inclusion, and innovation and entrepreneurship. It will be interesting to see how these leaders and institutions continue to shape the future of higher education in the years to come.
— End of interview —-
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- Do you agree with the “thoughts” offered by these leaders (via ChatGPT)?
