Fireside chat to feature captivating conversation on the future of education, AI and humanity

RESTON, Va., April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ellucian, the leading higher education technology solutions provider, today announced that Andrew Maynard, futurist and leading voice on the societal impacts of artificial intelligence, will join Ellucian Live 2026 for a mainstage discussion on Tuesday, April 21. The session will examine how AI is reshaping how we learn, work, and live — and what must remain fundamentally human in an increasingly automated world.

Maynard is Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions at Arizona State University’s School for the Future of Innovation in Society and founding director of the Future of Being Human initiative. Over a career spanning aerosol physics, public health, risk innovation, and technology governance, he has become a leading voice helping institutions and society navigate the promises and risks of transformative technologies — from AI and synthetic biology to nanotechnology.

As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves from emerging trend to embedded reality, leaders across higher education are confronting a defining question: how to harness AI to amplify human potential while preserving the values and purpose at the core of education. This mainstage conversation will bring that question into focus, offering insight into how institutions can navigate transformation with intention and impact.

“I am thrilled to welcome Andrew Maynard to the Ellucian Live 2026 mainstage,” said Laura Ipsen, President and CEO, Ellucian. “Andrew brings a powerful perspective on how AI is transforming society and challenges us to think critically about the role humans must continue to play. As higher education leaders work to prepare students for an AI-enabled world, this conversation will inspire thoughtful, human-centered innovation.”

Ellucian Live 2026 in Denver

Ellucian Live will be held April 19–22, 2026, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado, bringing together the largest global community of institutional leaders, technologists, and administrators in higher education to discover game-changing solutions, industry insights, and powerful connections.

Click here for more information on Ellucian Live 2026 and registration details.

ABOUT ANDREW MAYNARD
Andrew Maynard is a futurist and expert on the societal impacts of emerging technologies, with a focus on artificial intelligence and its implications for the future of work, education, and human experience. He is a professor and thought leader known for helping organizations navigate complex technological change responsibly and strategically. Through his research and public engagement, Maynard explores how innovation can be aligned with human values to create a more equitable and resilient future.

WHAT IS ELLUCIAN
Ellucian powers innovation for higher education, partnering with approximately 3,000 customers across 50 countries, serving more than 21 million students. Ellucian’s AI-powered platform, trained on the richest dataset available in higher education, drives efficiency, personalized experiences, and strengthened engagement for all students, faculty and staff. Fueled by decades of experience with a singular focus on the unique needs of learning institutions, the Ellucian platform features best-in-class SaaS capabilities and delivers insights needed now and into the future. These solutions and services span the entire student lifecycle, including data-rich tools for student recruitment, enrolment, and retention to workforce analytics, fundraising, and alumni engagement. Ellucian’s innovative solutions, vast ecosystem of partners and user community of more than 45,000 provides best practices leading to greater institutional success and achieving better student outcomes.

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SOURCE Ellucian