This is a bimonthly newsletter featuring community updates from Capilano University President and Vice-Chancellor Paul Dangerfield.
February 2025
Feeling disrupted? You’re not alone. The status quo has taken a hit in recent months. Our government and economic systems feel more than a little unstable and institutional trust is at an all-time low. As a university president, I’ve seen this shift firsthand: 10 years ago, few questioned the value of higher education. Today, it’s too rigid, too woke and too expensive. The world is changing rapidly, and our educational institutions must evolve or risk becoming obsolete.
In a recent talk to the Capilano University (CapU) community about the future of post-secondary education, I led with Marshall Goldsmith’s famous assertion that “what got you here won’t get you there.” The truth is, though we’ve done an amazing job for a long time, the bottom is now dropping out: education needs are dramatically outpacing revenues; cancel culture is alienating a swath of centrist learners; and global dynamics are reshaping national priorities. If we want to educate the leaders of tomorrow, we must rethink how we deliver education today.
While attending a conference in January, I saw Arizona State University’s (ASU) innovative approach to post-secondary education. Ranked as the world’s most innovative university for over a decade, ASU has transformed its teaching, research and operations model to emphasize accessibility through online, hybrid, and in-person learning. From Day 1, every student is provided an AI avatar to guide their academic journey, reducing costs while serving 160,000 students with 6,500 staff. ASU is also developing generative AI models for personalized learning. Imagine being able to study what interests you—rather than being told what you have to study—and still earning a recognized credential at the end.
Embracing technology is just one piece of the puzzle. Universities need to get creative, forging industry and community partnerships to develop new programming. It has been my experience that academics usually resist getting too close to the private sector, but we have heard local business councils and boards of trade lamenting productivity levels for decades now. To develop relevant, cost-effective programs faster, I believe we must tap into their support and expertise. As a key focus, CapU’s Envisioning 2030 plan moves us in the right direction for digital transformation and program reinvention.
The purpose of higher education will be redefined, aligning more closely with societal needs and workforce demands. As such, universities must also address social challenges. Inclusivity and diversity efforts have made progress, yet campuses are experiencing increased polarization and ideological divisions. A truly inclusive campus must welcome all perspectives, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding. The decline in diverse representation on campuses threatens the very essence of learning, which thrives on exposure to differing viewpoints.
With so many disruptive forces at work at the moment, we can’t afford to sit back and hope the storm passes. The traditional Canadian university model is underfunded, inefficient and resource intensive. If we fail to make bold moves, others will step in to fill the gap. Imagine Apple U, University of Microsoft or Google Polytechnic. The reality is big data and AI will be embedded in every aspect of education, making personalized learning a reality. More than survival, universities have a responsibility to scale strategically, balancing growth with sustainability and being more agile in their decision making.
Despite the challenges, I remain optimistic. At CapU, we are striving to cultivate partnerships that will allow us to deliver high-quality, job-ready programming more efficiently—three-year undergraduate degrees and four-year master’s programs, with paid work placements. The opportunities for growth and innovation are immense. By embracing adaptability, leveraging technology and prioritizing inclusivity, we can shape a higher education system that is more dynamic, accessible and sustainable for generations to come.
Here’s to living in interesting times,
Paul