New York, NY – University of Miami leaders recently convened in New York City for HolonIQ’s 24th Annual Back to School Summit, a premier global gathering focused on the evolving landscape of education. The summit, held from September 9-11, 2025, brought together influential figures from academia, technology, and philanthropy to discuss critical trends shaping the future of learning.
Driving the Digital Classroom of Tomorrow
At the forefront of these discussions was Jill Buban, the University of Miami’s Associate Provost for Online Learning. Buban, a nationally recognized expert in online strategy and innovation, participated in a pivotal session titled “Scaling Online Learning: The New Majority in Higher Education.” This session delved into strategies for expanding access to high-quality digital learning programs through advancements in technology, pedagogy, and policy. The growing prominence of online learners, who now outnumber on-campus students in the U.S., signals a fundamental shift in higher education delivery that necessitates robust strategies for scaling quality education equitably.
Buban highlighted the University of Miami’s commitment to this evolving educational paradigm. “At the University of Miami, our goal is to expand access, enhance quality, and ensure every learner can thrive in a digital environment,” Buban stated. She emphasized the importance of data-informed decision-making, evidence-based pedagogy, and cross-institution collaboration to meet the needs of a diverse and growing online student population. Her extensive career experience, spanning K–12, higher education leadership, and the private sector, underscores her dedication to championing equity, accessibility, and student success in digital learning environments.
Key Themes at the HolonIQ Summit
The 2025 summit focused on three major tracks: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, philanthropic funding for research and outcomes, and higher education’s digital transformation. The integration of AI into educational practices was a prominent theme, with discussions exploring its potential to personalize learning, automate administrative tasks, and provide instant feedback. Experts noted that AI is not intended to replace educators but to complement their abilities, allowing them to focus on fostering creativity and critical thinking. However, the rapid pace of AI adoption also presents challenges, including concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the need for continuous faculty and student training.
Higher education’s digital transformation was another central focus. Universities are increasingly prioritizing improved digital experiences, planning to implement new tools and technologies to enhance user interfaces, mobile responsiveness, and overall student journeys. The growth of online learning is undeniable, with projections indicating continued expansion. The University of Miami itself has been actively expanding its online offerings, recently launching three new master’s programs—the Master of Engineering Management (M.E.M.), the Master of Arts in International Administration (M.A.I.A.), and the Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.). Several more programs are slated for launch in Spring 2026, underscoring the institution’s dedication to broadening access through innovation.
University of Miami’s Vision for Digital Learning
Buban’s participation, alongside Shelby Hoffman, UOnline’s Executive Director for Programs and Enrollment Management, signals the University of Miami’s strategic approach to online education. This initiative reflects a broader institutional commitment to leveraging technology for engaging, flexible, and inclusive learning experiences. The university’s efforts, including its Virtual Reality Learning Initiative (VRLI) and the UMVerse program, aim to integrate immersive technologies and experiential learning across disciplines.
HolonIQ, a leading global market intelligence and data platform for the education sector, organized the summit. The acquisition of HolonIQ by QS Quacquarelli Symonds further highlights the growing importance of data and analytics in understanding and shaping the future of education. The “Back to School” Summit, a tradition since 2001, serves as a critical platform for leaders to share insights and forge connections aimed at transforming the way the world learns.
The discussions at the HolonIQ summit underscore the ongoing evolution of higher education, driven by technological advancements and shifting student needs. University of Miami leaders are actively contributing to this transformation, positioning themselves as key trendmakers in shaping the digital classrooms of the future and expanding educational opportunities for a global audience.
