Oct. 5, 2026

What Does It Mean to Control Technology Instead of Letting It Control You? - with Dr. Katia Passerini, President, Gonzaga University

Key Takeaways

President Dr. Katia Passerini of Gonzaga University explores what it truly means to control technology rather than letting it control higher education institutions.
Higher education leaders must balance embracing rapid technological advancements while maintaining critical oversight, recognizing that denial is just as dangerous as losing control.
University presidents and faculty must accept the reality that today's incoming students often arrive with a deeper working knowledge of AI than the faculty teaching them.
Isolation in the modern educational landscape is a direct choice toward irrelevance, making strategic alliances the primary differentiator for institutional success.
Dr. Katia Passerini emphasizes the importance of forward-thinking leadership in navigating the intersection of technology, innovation, and student success.

It's YOUR time to #EdUp with Dr. Katia Passerini, President, Gonzaga University

This episode, President Series #516, is powered by ⁠⁠⁠Ellucian⁠⁠⁠ - Higher Ed's AI-Enriched Platform!

This episode is sponsored by ⁠2026 Arizona Community College Administrators Conference⁠ where we will be podcasting live from October 7-9 on the campus of Yavapai College!

This episode is sponsored by⁠ the MSCHE 2026 Annual Conference, where we will be podcasting live, keynoting, & facilitating a pre-conference workshop from December 9-11 in Philadelphia! Early-bird pricing ends October 12, 2026!

This episode is also sponsored by the ⁠InsightsEDU 2027⁠ Conference - focused on attracting & retaining the modern learner - where we will be podcasting live from February 23-25 in Phoenix, AZ! Use code EDUP & save $100! Early-bird pricing ends December 15, 2026!

YOUR cohost is Brent Ramdin, CEO, EducationDynamics

YOUR host is ⁠⁠Dr. Joe Sallustio

How do you balance embracing technology while maintaining control when denial is just as dangerous as losing oversight?
Why must presidents accept that students now arrive knowing more about AI than faculty?
What makes isolation a choice toward irrelevance when the right alliances are the differentiator?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the guest on this episode of The EdUp Experience?

The guest is Dr. Katia Passerini, President of Gonzaga University.

What is the main topic discussed with Dr. Katia Passerini?

The discussion focuses on controlling technology in higher education instead of letting it control institutions, particularly regarding artificial intelligence and student readiness.

Why is student knowledge of AI a challenge for universities?

Students often arrive on campus knowing more about AI than the faculty, requiring academic leaders to adapt and accept this new baseline instead of living in denial.

What role do strategic alliances play in higher education according to this episode?

Forming the right alliances is highlighted as a vital differentiator, whereas isolation is framed as a conscious choice toward institutional irrelevance.