Holistic Success Summit Recap: Thriving Through Change in an Ever-Changing World

May 23, 2025

Over two packed days, the Holistic Success Summit 2025 brought together a vibrant community of educators, admissions leaders, and innovators to explore what it truly means to thrive through change.

If you joined us for the #HSSummit2025, you know the energy was electric. This year’s Summit tackled some of the most pressing questions facing higher education today: How do we navigate shifting applicant expectations? What role should AI play in holistic admissions? And how can institutions remain adaptable, while staying true to their core values?

Attendees heard from expert speakers, joined thoughtful discussions, and walked away with actionable insights to help them lead with purpose during times of change and uncertainty.

Read on for the top five impactful ideas and inspiration shared at Acuity Insights’ Holistic Success Summit.

1. AI Can Enhance, But Not Replace, Human Judgment

In his Holistic Success Summit keynote session, Dr. Jay Van Bavel, Professor of Psychology and Neural Science at NYU, emphasized that while AI can dramatically improve speed and efficiency, it cannot replicate the nuanced judgment that comes from human experience. 

While tools like large language models and predictive algorithms offer valuable support, they also lack the empathy, social awareness, and ethical reasoning that are essential in education and leadership. Van Bavel cautioned against over-reliance on automation, noting that meaningful decisions, especially those involving people’s futures, still require a human touch. 

Van Bavel also addressed the single biggest risk to AI in education: Some students are simply not learning. When students over-rely on AI, they may miss out on developing critical thinking and cognitive skills that are foundational for success in a rapidly changing world.

“The introduction of generative AI is the single biggest technological change in human history.” – Dr. Jay Van Bavel

2. Intentional, Human-Centred Change is the Way Forward

In her keynote session Thriving Through Change, Dr. Kelly Dore, Co-Founder and VP of Science & Innovation at Acuity Insights, reflected on the agility institutions demonstrated during the pandemic – and the opportunity that lies ahead to be more intentional about how we evolve. 

Rather than reacting to crisis, Dore urged higher education leaders to proactively design systems that center fairness, support mental health, and deliver meaningful outcomes. Real progress, she emphasized, requires solutions that are grounded in the lived experiences of the communities they’re meant to serve. Now is the moment to reimagine structures not just for stability, but for true, lasting impact.

“Solving complex problems requires crossing boundaries.” – Dr. Kelly Dore

3. Engaging Young People Through Respectful Communication Practices

In his keynote at the Holistic Success Summit, Dr. David Yeager, Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, explored how institutions can better connect with today’s students by first understanding their unique experiences and perspectives. 

Yeager emphasized that in order to effectively motivate young people, we must start with a respectful and accurate understanding of who they are. Many programs and institutions are ineffective because they’re based on misconceptions. While recent factors like COVID and social media matter, challenges facing youth today may not be as dire as older generations often claim – each generation tends to view the next through a flawed lens.

To truly engage young people, leaders must make a shift in their communication style and approach students with nuance, respect, and empathy. When students feel heard and understood, their sense of connection and belonging deepens, which leads to stronger interpersonal engagement and a lasting commitment to their communities.

“What we believe about young people fundamentally shapes how we interact with them.” – Dr. David Yeager

4. Social Retreat and Mistrust Are Growing Challenges

Shachi Kurl, President of Angus Reid, delivered a frank and honest Holistic Success Summit keynote session on the impacts of social media habits, social isolation, and the loss of community. 

Kurl shared key data and insight into the generation institutions are educating, and the many challenges facing this unique generation, from social retreat, increased social media usage, lack of community connection, decreased feelings of belonging – and its impact.

While the picture may not look pretty, Kurl presented hopeful strategies for engaging young people, from encouraging civic and interest-based community engagement, to meeting them where they are: online. 

“What are the responsibilities we have to reach out to those who feel marginalized, on the cusp of falling down a rabbit hole online?” – Shachi Kurl

5. We Need to Train Students to Be AI-Literate

Summit’s AI in Admissions panel featured insights from the following higher ed experts:

• Dr. Okan Bulut, Professor in the Measurement, Evaluation, and Data Science program at the University of Alberta
• Dr. Ioannis Koutroulis, Associate Dean, Office of MD Admissions at George Washington University
• Dr.Shea Brown, Founder and CEO of BABL AI Inc. 

AI is transforming higher education at an unprecedented pace. While they acknowledged both the benefits and challenges that come with its adoption, they emphasized that embracing AI is essential for innovation and progress – there’s simply no alternative.

Dr. Koutroulis also shared the importance of students and faculty learning the language of AI within the classroom. By developing a deeper understanding of concepts like machine learning and natural language processing, students will be better equipped to engage with AI systems effectively after graduation. By becoming “AI Literate”, graduates will enter their profession informed and equipped to understand how to use AI tools effectively and efficiently.

See you next year at the Holistic Success Summit

This year’s sessions underscored a clear theme: thriving through change requires more than resilience—it demands empathy, intention, and a deep commitment to understanding one another.oin us next year for the 2026 Holistic Success Summit!

In the meantime, download our 2025 Admission Trends Report to see what’s shaping the future of higher education.