New Book Explores How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Online Higher Education Administration
AI Applications in Online Higher Education Administration
Strategies for Maximizing Returns and Improving Outcomes
Edited by Kathleen S. Ives, Marie Cini, and Ray Schroeder
Foreword by Rovy F. Brannon III, Ph.D.
Published by Routledge in association with UPCEA
AI is reshaping higher education—fast. This book brings together faculty, instructional designers, technologists, and academic leaders who are on the front lines of that change. Their chapters offer honest reflections, practical examples, and thoughtful perspectives on how AI is influencing course design, assessment, student support, policy, and leadership. Rather than hype or fear, the contributors offer grounded insight: what it takes to integrate AI in ways that are ethical, equitable, and truly student-centered. They explore both opportunities and risks, with an eye toward long-term impact—not just short-term solutions.
Whether you're charting an institutional AI strategy or simply trying to understand what’s ahead, this collection is a timely guide. It doesn’t treat AI as a magic fix, but as a tool—one that, when used wisely, can help higher education become more human, not less. Learn more.
Edited by three leaders in digital learning and higher education innovation, the book reflects decades of experience at the intersection of technology, administration, and institutional strategy.
Kathleen S. Ives, D.M., serves as Chief Business Development Officer and Senior Vice President at UPCEA and previously served as CEO of the Online Learning Consortium. Marie A. Cini, Ph.D., is Provost at University of the People and a recognized leader in adult and online learning innovation. Ray Schroeder, M.S., is Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois Springfield and Senior Fellow at UPCEA, widely known for his writing and thought leadership on emerging technologies in higher education.
The book is designed for higher education leaders, including provosts, presidents, chief online officers, instructional designers, and faculty working in educational technology. It is also well suited as a textbook for graduate programs in higher education administration, instructional design, and related fields.
Testimonials About the Book
"We are on the cusp of a transformation in higher education that will change everything from our mission and learner expectations to how we do our daily work. We have brought together some of the best leaders and thinkers in our field to examine AI's impact and potential in higher education. This handbook is valuable for those in our field and for those preparing to enter higher education as a career."
Ray Schroeder, Co-Editor
Senior Fellow, UPCEA
"As AI reshapes higher education, institutions must move beyond concerns about misuse and focus on how these tools can enrich learning, support faculty, and improve operations. This collection offers insights from online education leaders on guiding AI’s responsible role in the future of our field."
Marie Cini, Co-Editor
Provost and Chief Academic Officer, University of the People
"AI is no longer a future conversation for higher education—it’s an operational one. This book explores how institutions can thoughtfully deploy AI to enhance learning, improve administration, and strengthen institutional strategy."
Kathleen S. Ives, Co-Editor
Chief Business Development Officer & Senior Vice President Of Member Engagement
"The contributors to this volume bring together deep experience from across higher education and educational technology. Their work offers leaders a practical framework for understanding how AI can improve student outcomes, strengthen institutional effectiveness, and support responsible innovation across online and continuing education."