The Future of Higher Education: A CEO’s View on Workforce Readiness, AI, and Research - On Campus Podcast

 What does the future of higher education look like from the perspective of a CEO working at the intersection of research, compliance, and workforce development? Recorded live at the 2026 NCURA Conference in New York City, this special episode of On Campus features Paddy Mullen, CEO of BRANY, the Biomedical Research Alliance of New York and parent company of CITI Program. Drawing on more than 16 years of leadership experience, she shares her perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping higher education today. The conversation explores several major trends impacting colleges and universities, including the demographic changes affecting enrollment, increasing pressure to demonstrate the value of a college education, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence on teaching, learning, and the workforce. Paddy also discusses the skills employers are seeking beyond technical knowledge, including problem-solving, collaboration, project management, and ethical decision-making. She offers practical advice for students entering the workforce and explains why trust, compliance, and human connection remain essential in an increasingly technology-driven world. Despite the challenges ahead, Paddy shares an optimistic view of the future, highlighting the talent, creativity, and potential of today's students to solve some of society's most pressing problems.  BRANY: www.brany.com CITI Program: www.citiprogram.org