Before Institutions Deploy AI That Initiates Action,
Leadership Must Ask Better Questions.

A short executive brief designed for higher education leaders

responsible for protecting institutional mission, governance,

and public trust in the age of autonomous systems.

This is NOT another AI Toolkit

Most AI guidance for higher education focuses on tools.

This brief focuses on leadership responsibility.

It helps executive teams clarify:

• Where automation strengthens institutional mission


• Where governance boundaries must exist


• Where human relationships must remain central

Inside the brief are 10 questions leadership teams should discuss before deploying agentic AI.

Examples:

1. What institutional problem are we actually solving?

2. What level of autonomy is acceptable for systems interacting with students?

3. Who is accountable if an AI agent gets it wrong?

These questions shift AI adoption from technology experimentation to institutional design.

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About the Author

Helping higher education leaders design responsible,

mission-aligned approaches to AI and institutional innovation.

Dr. Valora Richardson works with higher education leaders to design thoughtful, mission-aligned approaches to artificial intelligence, institutional innovation, and digital transformation. Her work focuses on helping colleges and universities adopt emerging technologies in ways that strengthen governance, protect institutional identity, and improve student success.

She is particularly committed to supporting mission-driven institutions and HBCUs as they navigate the opportunities and responsibilities of AI-enabled transformation.To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.