Ahead of the Algorithm: Dr. Evan Duff on Turning AI Into Institutional Strategy

Summary

North Carolina Wesleyan University President Dr. Evan Duff knows AI isn't about replacing people or relationships. It's about streamlining everyday work, governing its use responsibly, and creating more space for meaningful human connections with students and families. In this episode, Dr. Duff shares how his institution is putting that philosophy into practice to strengthen student success and persistence. Drawing on his background in adult and professional studies, he also explores what AI means for adult learners navigating career disruption in real time, and how NC Wesleyan is building campus-wide understanding and buy-in around this rapidly evolving technology.

TOPICS: Presidential Leadership — AI

Key Moments in This Episode

Topic 1 | AI-Powered Enrollment Leadership

[02:14] AI as a People-First Strategy

Dr. Duff explains why AI at NC Wesleyan is about improving speed, clarity, and personalization so staff can focus on building genuine connections with students. He draws a clear line between what AI can automate and what only humans can do.

[07:30] Practical AI in Action

Dr. Duff shares concrete examples, including using AI to cross-reference accreditation standards and building AI-optimized course schedules based on student needs.

Topic 2 | AI Disruptions for the Adult Learner

[16:39] A Different Kind of AI Anxiety

Drawing on his background leading adult and professional studies, Dr. Duff explains how AI fluency is less of an academic exercise and more of a survival skill for working adults. He describes how faculty must design differently for students whose livelihoods depend on staying ahead of a rapidly changing job market.

[22:49] Teaching With AI, Not Just About It

Dr. Duff describes an assignment he gives students in NC Wesleyan's Master of Strategic Leadership program using Google's NotebookLM platform. Students consistently report that the tool transforms how they absorb information and conduct research.

Topic 3 | Governing AI on Campus

[26:04] Building Buy-In Without a Mandate

Dr. Duff outlines his approach to AI governance, including bringing as many voices to the table as possible and aiming for 85 to 90 percent acceptance rather than universal agreement. He reframes the governance conversation away from fears about academic integrity and toward a shared question about how AI helps the institution do its work better.

[28:02] Rethinking the Question Entirely

Dr. Duff argues that ongoing governance is not a one-and-done process but rather a continuous cycle of conversation, iteration, and expert input. He shares why institutions that reframe AI adoption around student connection rather than compliance concerns are better positioned to move forward with confidence.

Bonus | Three Pieces of Advice

[30:25] Three Pieces of Advice for Future Leaders

Dr. Duff closes with three direct pieces of guidance: treat AI as a priority more than a side project; do not adopt tools faster than you can govern them; and tie every AI decision to your institutional mission and student success.

Todd Abbott
Vice President, Business Development, Liaison

Todd Abbott is a higher education leader with 28 years of experience. As a Vice President at Liaison, he partners with colleges and universities to strengthen their enrollment operations and achieve their strategic goals. His expertise spans enrollment, marketing, and student retention, including leadership roles on campus and in the edtech industry. A former Dean of Enrollment, Todd champions data-informed strategies that prioritize student success and institutional growth.

Evan Duff, Ed.D.
President, North Carolina Wesleyan University

Dr. Evan Duff began his tenure as President of North Carolina Wesleyan University on June 10, 2020, after serving as Interim President since June 2019. He knows the university well after serving in multiple leadership roles since 2011. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Mount Olive College, a Master’s in Administration from Central Michigan University and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Along with his formal education, Dr. Duff also completed certificate programs with NC State University and Cornell University.

During his time at Wesleyan, Dr. Duff has served in the roles of Interim President, Provost, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vice President of Adult & Professional Studies, and adjunct instructor. In these roles, Dr. Duff was responsible for leading the effort to approve new majors, co-writing the University’s first graduate application to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools- Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and creating seven new offsite instructional locations. He was also responsible for facilitating the development of partnerships with 20 two-year and four-year colleges, which led to articulation agreements or memorandums of understanding between those colleges and NC Wesleyan. During his career, Dr. Duff has authored or co-authored a great number of academic publications and presentations. He serves on many community boards and was awarded the volunteer of the year award with the Triangle Literacy Council in 2014. He has been honored with a variety of awards for service to the University and the community. He and his family most recently attended Hope Community Church in Cary, NC. Prior to this, Dr. Duff and his family were active members of Covenant UMC in Greenville, NC, where he served on the Pastoral Personnel Committee. Dr. Duff and his wife of 23 years, Marcy, have three sons and a daughter – Tyson, Landon, Peyton and Chloe. Their household is completed with five furry loved ones—three dogs and two cats—all of which are rescues.

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