EVENT
2025 Back to School Summit
SESSION
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
2:00 pm
SESSION OVERVIEW

Universities as Engines of Skills and Growth: Leadership for a Changing Economy

As lifespans approach 100 years, careers span six decades, and demographic shifts reshape student pipelines, universities must move beyond traditional models to become engines of lifelong learning—contributing to economic growth, strengthening workforce resilience, and supporting national productivity goals. In this high-level panel, QS CEO Jessica Turner joins three university presidents to examine what universities must do to meet the evolving needs of diverse learners, forge stronger local and global partnerships, and better articulate their value across government, industry, and society. This discussion will explore how institutions can strengthen community impact and remain essential drivers of progress in a rapidly changing world. A conversation about leadership, relevance, and reinvention.