Nuno Fernandes, President of American Public University System (APUS), is leading the charge in making online higher education more affordable and accessible. With a focus on incorporating technology and AI into the education sector, Fernandes believes it is time for a transformation in the way teaching is approached. Despite the dramatic changes happening in the world, Fernandes sees this as an opportunity to unlock humanity’s true potential rather than the negation of humanity.
Education has remained relatively unchanged for centuries, with a teacher speaking and a student listening. Fernandes believes it is time to embrace the power of technology and AI to revolutionize the way higher education is delivered. At APUS, the commitment to academic excellence and providing online higher education to learners of all backgrounds is unwavering. With approximately 90,000 active students and over 200 affordable programs, APUS is working with business partners to offer re-training and reskilling opportunities to employees.
Fernandes predicts that the labor market will be a significant driver of transformation in the higher education sector. As careers become shorter and professionals need to retrain themselves, the value of a university degree will correspond to the market demand. APUS is already adapting to this reality, with 91% of its students being working professionals looking to retrain or pursue degrees in preparation for their next career move.
For academic leaders preparing for the digital transformation revolution, Fernandes offers some key strategies. Being open about AI and promoting its ethical and responsible adoption is critical. Agile leadership is also essential, ensuring that leaders are aligned on important decisions and excited about innovation. Starting with pilot programs and learning from best practices at other universities can help navigate the challenges of technology adoption.
Now is the time to reimagine education and rethink the possibilities for the future. By embracing progress today, higher education institutions can prepare for the changes that lie ahead. By focusing on innovation and staying ahead of the curve, academic leaders can set themselves apart and ensure their institutions remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
