Eduventures Summit 2025: A New Era for Higher Education
On June 16-18, 2025, the annual Eduventures Summit will take place at the Loews Chicago Hotel, organized by Encoura®, a leading educational data science and research organization. This premier event is set to gather top leaders and trailblazing innovators in higher education, providing a unique platform to confront existing challenges and reshape the educational landscape.
The Changing Landscape of Higher Education
In recent years, the higher education sector has faced significant hurdles, including declining enrollment rates, rising operational costs, and a growing skepticism about the value of traditional college paths. These challenges, exacerbated by political pressures and shifting demographics, demand a fresh perspective on what higher education should offer. The summit aims to address these concerns, encouraging discussions that reject outdated assumptions and promote innovative strategies that can engage nontraditional students and various stakeholders.
Keynote Speakers and Panels
This year’s summit will feature an impressive lineup of keynote presentations and expert-led panels aimed at empowering educators with research-based insights and actionable strategies. Notable speakers include:
- - Kathleen deLaski, Founder and Board Chair of Education Design Lab, discussing "The Urgency of Alternative Credentialing."
- - Valencia Koker, Senior Vice President at City Year Chicago, presenting on "Developing Tomorrow's Leaders using City Year’s Model for Student and Civic Growth."
- - Jonathan Martin, Politics Bureau Chief at POLITICO, shedding light on "Politics in Turbulent Times for Higher Education Leaders."
- - Americus Reed, Whitney M. Young, Jr. Professor of Marketing at the Wharton School, on "Understanding How to Create True (Identity) Loyalty."
- - Clint! Runge, CEO of Archrival, exploring "The Rise of Gen Alpha: A Look at the Driving Forces Shaping Our Next Generation."
- - Tim Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics International, will speak about "The Call to Unite: The Power of Dignity for Life."
- - A special "Presidential Fireside Chat" featuring Jeff Stein and Eric Turner, Presidents of Mary Baldwin University and Lasell University, respectively.
Research, Innovation Awards, and Future Vision
In addition to keynotes, attendees can engage with panels focusing on pressing topics such as artificial intelligence in enrollment and alternative bachelor’s degree models. Capping off the summit will be the announcement of the Innovation Awards, celebrating colleges that have successfully broken the mold in areas such as enrollment management and student experience.
Rich Garrett, Chief Research Officer at Eduventures, emphasized the importance of this summit: "There is no easy path to higher education reinvention. Fundamental questions around what to keep, invest in, or eliminate must be faced head-on. A unifying idea is critical to restoring public esteem and political backing for higher education. This summit will deliver just that, providing insights and inspiration for a brighter future."
To learn more about the event or to register, visit
Encoura's website.
About Encoura
Encoura, a subsidiary of ACT, has been a pivotal force in educational research and technology since 1972, serving over 2,000 member institutions across the U.S. Its mission is to connect students with the necessary resources to make informed decisions about their educational paths and future careers.
This summit not only reflects on current challenges but also embodies a collective aspiration to redefine higher education for the future, ensuring it meets the needs of an evolving society.