Designing the Next Generation of Student Support: How Colleges Are Connecting Services, Data, and AI to Improve the Student Experience
Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET
As student expectations evolve and technology transforms campus operations, colleges and universities are reimagining longstanding, siloed approaches to student services and exploring more connected support models that can improve coordination, clarity, and engagement without disruptive overhauls. Early adopters are turning to AI to help streamline staff workflows, triage requests, and expand access to support, while also strengthening collaboration among advising, enrollment, and other services.
In this fireside chat webcast, Campus Technology Editor in Chief Rhea Kelly will speak with Dr. Karla Fisher, Senior Vice President for Partnerships and Client Experience at Canyon GBS, about practical strategies for modernizing student support while keeping humans — and the student experience — at the center. They'll also explore the importance of governance, transparency, and compliance as foundations for sustainable innovation, as well as ways to build trust with students, staff, and leadership.
About the presenters:
Karla Fisher, SVP for Partnerships and Client Experience, Canyon GBS
Karla Fisher is SVP for Partnerships and Client Experience at Canyon GBS, an Arizona-based technology company building AI-powered solutions to help colleges and universities deliver better experiences and results. After a decade in the corporate world, she began 20+ years in higher education at Salt Lake Community College, going on to serve as a national community college research fellow at UT Austin; VP of Academics/Interim President at Butler Community College; Chancellor of ASU-Beebe; and Provost of the Maricopa Community College District. Karla served as Chief Industry Advisor for Education for Qualtrics, was named the NCIA 2015 Chief Academic Officer of the Year and is an Aspen Presidential Fellow. She holds a Ph.D. in Administration and an M.A. in Communication.
About the moderator:
Rhea Kelly, Editor in Chief, Campus Technology
Date: 02/18/26
Time: 11:00 AM PT
