In our recent webinar, Why AI? Using AI for Student Success: 101, influential voices in higher education shared how AI is reshaping the landscape of student support and institutional equity. Leaders like Dr. Aashir Nasim, Erika Larson, and Drew Magliozzi offered practical insights and strategies for using AI to empower students and streamline institutional efforts. Here are some key highlights, along with video clips capturing their insights.
Aashir Nasim, Ph.D.: Elevating Equity with AI in Higher Education
Dr. Aashir Nasim, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Prairie View A&M University, spoke to the power of AI as a tool for equity. Describing AI as a “great equity builder,” Dr. Nasim explained how it enables institutions to broaden their reach, holding thousands of conversations at once and connecting with students who might otherwise go unheard. Traditionally, he noted, outreach efforts connect with about 20% of the student body, but with AI, institutions can reach the 80% who may remain hidden.
Dr. Nasim emphasized that AI-driven engagement not only amplifies student voices but also allows institutions to act on what they hear, creating a transparent feedback loop that strengthens trust.
Erika Larson: Using AI to Empower Student Success Teams
Erika Larson, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success at the University of Colorado Denver, shared how AI has transformed her team’s ability to support students. Prior to using AI, her team faced high levels of burnout as they tried to engage students with limited response rates. With Mainstay’s proactive, AI-powered campaigns, they now reach students more effectively, guiding them through critical steps like resolving unpaid balances and submitting required documents.
Larson reported a significant increase in engagement: “We’ve seen our student response rate increase from around 15% to over 55%.” This enhanced reach allows staff to focus on higher-level support, placing students in the best possible position for success.
Drew Magliozzi: A Strategic Framework for AI-Driven Success
Mainstay’s CEO and Co-Founder, Drew Magliozzi, introduced the Problem Solving Framework as a structured approach to using AI effectively. This framework offers a roadmap for institutional leaders to align AI with their student success goals:
- Start with the problem: Identify specific challenges students face.
- Map the journey: Visualize the student experience to pinpoint ideal intervention points.
- Balance AI and human support: Integrate AI where it complements human touchpoints, creating a seamless support experience.
Magliozzi reminded the audience that AI is a tool, not a universal solution. “If AI is a hammer, not everything is a nail,” he emphasized, encouraging leaders to apply AI thoughtfully in ways that suit their institution’s unique needs.
From theory to practice
If you’re inspired by the insights shared by Dr. Nasim, Erika Larson, and Drew Magliozzi, we invite you to watch the full webinar, Why AI? Using AI for Student Success: 101, to explore the strategies discussed in greater depth.
For institutions ready to take actionable steps, Mainstay’s Problem Solving Framework provides a practical approach to integrating AI and human support effectively. For a comprehensive guide on this framework and other best practices, download our white paper, The New Rules of AI for Student Success, or check out our blog digest, The New Rules of AI for Student Success: A Digest for Higher Education Leaders.
Ready to see how AI can support your institution’s goals? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore how Mainstay’s AI solutions can empower your team, support your students, and drive lasting impact.