
Reclaiming Purpose
The University in an AI World
Paul LeBlanc(Author)
Wiley (Publisher)
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 8. September 2026
Book
Hardback
240 pages
978-1-394-40747-7 (ISBN)
Description
A strategic framework for understanding how AI will transform higher education
In Reclaiming Purpose: The University in an AI World, Paul LeBlanc, former President of Southern New Hampshire University and widely recognized as one of the most innovative educators in higher education, delivers a framing perspective for understanding artificial intelligence's impact on learning institutions. The book helps educators and university leaders navigate this technological revolution with clarity and purpose.
LeBlanc draws on doctoral research in revolutionary technological change and decades of leadership experience to provide practical guidance for institutions facing unprecedented disruption. Reclaiming Purpose offers strategic questions, actionable frameworks, and a positive yet radically different vision for what education can become when institutions embrace AI thoughtfully rather than reactively.
Readers will also find:
Clear perspectives on what the AI revolution means for educators at every level, from classroom instructors to department chairs
Strategic guidance for university leaders developing institutional responses to AI integration and policy decisions across their organizations
A framework for asking better questions about technology adoption that leads to more thoughtful and effective implementation strategies
A positive vision for education's future that acknowledges radical change while offering constructive pathways forward for learning institutions
Insights grounded in the author's experience leading one of higher education's most innovative and adaptive university systems
Essential for educators, administrators, and university leaders seeking to understand AI's implications for their institutions, Reclaiming Purpose provides the strategic perspective and practical guidance needed to navigate technological transformation while preserving education's core mission.
In Reclaiming Purpose: The University in an AI World, Paul LeBlanc, former President of Southern New Hampshire University and widely recognized as one of the most innovative educators in higher education, delivers a framing perspective for understanding artificial intelligence's impact on learning institutions. The book helps educators and university leaders navigate this technological revolution with clarity and purpose.
LeBlanc draws on doctoral research in revolutionary technological change and decades of leadership experience to provide practical guidance for institutions facing unprecedented disruption. Reclaiming Purpose offers strategic questions, actionable frameworks, and a positive yet radically different vision for what education can become when institutions embrace AI thoughtfully rather than reactively.
Readers will also find:
Clear perspectives on what the AI revolution means for educators at every level, from classroom instructors to department chairs
Strategic guidance for university leaders developing institutional responses to AI integration and policy decisions across their organizations
A framework for asking better questions about technology adoption that leads to more thoughtful and effective implementation strategies
A positive vision for education's future that acknowledges radical change while offering constructive pathways forward for learning institutions
Insights grounded in the author's experience leading one of higher education's most innovative and adaptive university systems
Essential for educators, administrators, and university leaders seeking to understand AI's implications for their institutions, Reclaiming Purpose provides the strategic perspective and practical guidance needed to navigate technological transformation while preserving education's core mission.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
College/higher education
ISBN-13
978-1-394-40747-7 (9781394407477)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
PAUL LEBLANC is the former President of Southern New Hampshire University, where he led its transformation into the largest nonprofit provider of online higher education in the United States. His pioneering work in online and competency-based learning has earned international recognition. He has served as Senior Advisor in the U.S. Department of Education, writes and speaks widely, and counsels university presidents and technology companies worldwide.
Content
AI Disclaimer xiii
Foreword xv
Chapter 1 When the World Changed 1
Chapter 2 A Brief History of AI for the Layperson 23
Chapter 3 The Idea of the University Revisited: From Epistemology to Ontology 41
Chapter 4 Anthropomorphism and Mattering: Living and Learning with Aliens 71
Chapter 5 Rethinking Our Learning Models: From One Size Fits All to Precision Learning 89
Chapter 6 What Is a University to Do? 113
Chapter 7 The Role of the Faculty in the University of the Future 137
Chapter 8 Reimagining the Postsecondary Ecosystem 153
Chapter 9 Developing Better Humans for the Age of AI 179
Notes 195
Acknowledgments 203
About the Author 207
Index 209
Foreword xv
Chapter 1 When the World Changed 1
Chapter 2 A Brief History of AI for the Layperson 23
Chapter 3 The Idea of the University Revisited: From Epistemology to Ontology 41
Chapter 4 Anthropomorphism and Mattering: Living and Learning with Aliens 71
Chapter 5 Rethinking Our Learning Models: From One Size Fits All to Precision Learning 89
Chapter 6 What Is a University to Do? 113
Chapter 7 The Role of the Faculty in the University of the Future 137
Chapter 8 Reimagining the Postsecondary Ecosystem 153
Chapter 9 Developing Better Humans for the Age of AI 179
Notes 195
Acknowledgments 203
About the Author 207
Index 209