Higher Education Technology x Transition: Q&A with Dr. Allen Sessoms

Dr. Allen Sessoms, 3x former university president, physicist, and international government consultant, shared his unique insights on the challenges and opportunities facing higher education today. From the struggles of technology adoption to the growing importance of sustainability, Dr. Sessoms’ experience sheds light on how universities can navigate an evolving landscape.

Q&A with Dr. Allen Sessoms & Edward Nass, AIRIA CEO

Higher Education, Technology, and Sustainability

Nass: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how it connects to higher education?

Dr. Sessoms: I come from a background in physics and international diplomacy, having worked on initiatives related to nuclear weapons and climate change and even served as the deputy ambassador to Mexico. My journey into higher education began when I took on leadership roles as president of multiple universities. This gave me a front-row seat to the many challenges universities face, particularly in integrating technology, managing operational costs, and enhancing campus security. Today, I focus on consulting, often advising on ways to improve operational efficiency and security within universities.

Nass: What are some of the best ways universities have utilized new technology over the past few decades?

Dr. Sessoms: Universities are known for being slow adopters of new technology, often hesitant to integrate changes unless absolutely necessary. The one major exception was the transition to online learning during COVID-19, which was highly successful because institutions had no choice but to adapt. Outside of crises like these, there is rarely enough pressure on universities to innovate, and the result is often a fragmented approach. While some departments, like IT, are more advanced, other areas are slower to change, especially where faculty are less comfortable with new tools.

Nass: How has the higher education landscape changed in response to declining enrollment?

Dr. Sessoms: Declining enrollment is hitting smaller, regional private institutions the hardest, especially those with religious affiliations. Larger universities like Harvard or Yale continue to thrive, but many smaller colleges are facing severe financial strain, leading to mergers or even closures. For example, in Wisconsin, the University of Milwaukee recently consolidated two institutions that had merged only three years prior, as enrollment continues to decline. We’re likely to see more mergers and collaborations as these institutions look to survive by sharing resources.

Nass: What role do you see for technology like AIRIA in university mergers?

Dr. Sessoms: Technology like AIRIA can play a significant role during mergers by helping universities assess and optimize their facilities. When institutions merge, they often have redundant resources and unused spaces that need to be repurposed or shut down. However, many are reluctant to invest in new tech because they’re unsure about the future. This is where AIRIA ’s data-driven insights come in handy—it gives administrators concrete information on how their facilities are being used, which can guide resource allocation and cost-saving decisions.

Nass: How are sustainability efforts impacting higher education?

Dr. Sessoms: Sustainability in higher education is largely driven by student demand. Students are very vocal about wanting their campuses to be environmentally responsible, which pressures administrators and trustees to prioritize sustainability. Some institutions are beginning to allocate significant funds toward these efforts, but achieving carbon neutrality remains a complex challenge. Many universities need to work with utility providers to transition to greener energy sources, and this often involves considerable expense and planning.

Nass: What are the biggest challenges universities face in reducing energy consumption?

Dr. Sessoms: The primary challenge is moving away from fossil fuels and encouraging utility partners to adopt greener practices. Larger institutions have more leverage in pushing utilities toward renewable energy, but the costs and logistical complexity of retrofitting existing facilities make it difficult for many campuses to make these transitions. It’s not just about switching to greener options; it’s also about integrating energy-efficient practices campus-wide, which requires a coordinated effort.

Nass: How can universities better utilize data for decision-making?

Dr. Sessoms: Visual data representation is incredibly valuable for decision-makers, especially those without a technical background. Most university leaders aren’t scientists or engineers, so data needs to be presented in a way that’s easy to understand. Tools like AIRIA provide visual insights that make it clear how facilities are being used, where inefficiencies exist, and where improvements can be made. This kind of visual data makes it much easier for leaders to grasp complex issues and make informed decisions.

Nass: Why is innovation in campus security so challenging?

Dr. Sessoms: Security in higher education is often seen as a cost center, not an investment. Many institutions only make security improvements in response to incidents that highlight vulnerabilities, rather than taking a proactive approach. This reactive mindset means they’re often relying on outdated security practices. Without consistent pressure to innovate, campuses may overlook advanced solutions that could improve safety and efficiency.

Nass: What would you suggest to encourage universities to adopt new technologies?

Dr. Sessoms: Demonstrating the financial benefits of technology is key. When administrators see clear cost savings or efficiency improvements, they’re more open to change. However, it’s important to frame these discussions carefully—talking about personnel cuts can create resistance. The focus should be on potential cost savings and operational benefits instead of job reductions to ensure there’s buy-in from all stakeholders.

Nass: Any advice for those looking to innovate within higher education?

Dr. Sessoms: Start with early adopters within the institution. Once you’ve demonstrated success in one area, it creates a ripple effect, encouraging other departments to follow suit. Higher education is very fragmented, so understanding the unique culture and challenges of each institution is critical. By establishing small wins, you can build momentum and eventually foster a more innovation-friendly environment.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Sessoms’ insights highlight both the barriers and opportunities for innovation in higher education. As universities continue to face pressures from declining enrollment, financial constraints, and student-driven sustainability demands, technology solutions like AIRIA offer practical paths forward. Yet, success will depend on strategic approaches that balance innovation with an understanding of the unique institutional culture that defines each campus.

About Dr. Allen Sessoms

Dr. Allen Sessoms is a physicist, former university president, and international consultant with extensive experience in higher education, government, and global security initiatives. His work continues to impact the way universities approach challenges in technology, sustainability, and operational efficiency.