The Leadership Blueprint for AI Readiness: Aligning Policy, Pedagogy, and Practice Across a Global Institution

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes the future of education and work, higher education leaders must develop institution-wide strategies that go beyond isolated faculty experimentation. In this high-level panel, academic leaders from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will share how a globally distributed, STEM-focused institution is coordinating AI integration across programs, policies, and pedagogy. Panelists will include the provost, vice provost for faculty affairs, and associate vice president for continuous improvement, who will offer insights into aligning strategic vision, faculty development, and assessment practices to prepare students—regardless of major or modality—for success in AI-driven fields. The session will explore how leadership can empower faculty to embed AI meaningfully into curriculum, how policy can support innovation without compromising equity or integrity, and how assessment can be used not just to measure outcomes but to fuel pedagogical research. This session will offer a roadmap for turning AI momentum into lasting, mission-aligned transformation.