3.39. Kate Smith, Ed.D - Rio Salado College

Dr. JP Novin talks to Dr. Kate Smith, President of Rio Salado College, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the workforce and redefining the role of higher education. Dr. Smith explains that AI is not replacing most jobs but fundamentally changing them, making adaptability and continuous learning essential. She emphasizes the need for institutions to prioritize durable skills such as data literacy, critical thinking, communication, and learning how to learn, noting that graduates will enter careers that will evolve rapidly. Dr. Smith also argues that traditional degree structures must shift toward more flexible, skills-based and lifelong learning models, supported by micro-credentials and ongoing reskilling, while human-centered skills, ethical judgment, and the ability to question AI-generated information remain critical as higher education integrates AI into teaching and learning.