Lyquaia Purcell is the Senior Director of Digital Transformation at Ellucian, leading initiatives that empower institutions and enhance student success. A passionate advocate for accessible education, she drives systemwide technology adoption, removes barriers to access, and improves student outcomes. Lyquaia has held leadership roles in EdTech and higher education, focusing on strategic planning, student engagement, and inclusion. A proud Georgia native, she earned a B.S. from the University of Georgia and an M.Ed. from Georgia Southern University, reflecting her belief in education’s power to transform lives.
As a technologist, I enjoy thinking about the future—it’s kind of a natural fit for a thought leader. However, in my day-to-day work, I make a purposeful effort to understand how today’s choices shape tomorrow’s outcomes. Most days, I consider myself a technology presentist, with a focus firmly rooted in the now. My time is spent analyzing current tools, trends, and technologies shaping the learning landscape while actively engaging with the higher education ecosystem to determine the best path forward. That’s why exploring future predictions is not only exciting but also a vital extension of the work we do today.
I spend time working with leaders across higher education, government, and industry, and one thing is clear: the future is all about skills—upskilling, reskilling, skills mapping, skills-first hiring, the list goes on. Madskillz, everywhere. And this isn’t just talk; the landscape is actively shifting—It’s a redefinition of how education and work intersect. In this article, I’ll share insights on how these changes are evolving and predict the skills-driven future that’s already taking shape.
Skills over Bills
The cost of college continues to be a significant barrier for many students, with 57% reporting they’ve had to choose between college expenses and basic needs like food and clothing (Student Voice report). This stark reality underscores the urgent need for higher education to prioritize affordability and accessibility, especially for working adult learners and other nontraditional students.
As the “demographic cliff” approaches—marked by a shrinking pool of traditional college-aged students due to declining birth rates—competition for students is intensifying. This shift is creating opportunities for colleges and universities to reshape their strategies and better meet the needs of a more diverse student body, including those who must balance earning while learning.
For example, AI-powered chatbots make it easier for prospective learners to navigate the enrollment process at their convenience, while predictive analytics identify and support at-risk students preemptively. Emerging financial models such as subscription-based tuition, microcredentials, and stackable degree programs are also lowering financial barriers to increase access and affordability. These innovations offer greater flexibility and focus on imparting skills that are directly applicable in the workplace, making higher education more accessible and relevant to the modern learner.
My Prediction: In 2025, more institutions will demonstrate their commitment to valuing the skills students gain before enrollment by adopting or amending Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) initiatives which acknowledge the valuable learning acquired through professional and informal experiences, accelerating degree completion while boosting access, equity, and student motivation. Expect more colleges and universities—particularly community colleges—to integrate Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) into their enrollment processes. By recognizing skills and knowledge gained outside traditional academic environments, such as through work or military service, PLA can streamline admissions, expedite degree completion, reduce costs, and broaden access for tomorrow’s learners. These strategies will redefine the higher education experience, fostering a more inclusive and skills-oriented future.
Skills Don’t Lie
The skills gap crisis—where employer needs outpace workforce readiness—has had a profound impact on higher education, accelerating the shift toward skills-first hiring. As industries evolve, traditional degree-focused hiring practices often fail to deliver candidates with the job-ready skills employers demand.
Higher education, in partnership with technology, is uniquely positioned to bridge this gap by helping students understand and apply the skills they gain from their courses. Institutions are adapting by embedding skill mapping into curricula and fostering partnerships across sectors to align education with workforce needs. Collaborations with employers are shaping curricula to meet real-world demands, while stackable credentials offer students opportunities to gain relevant, in-demand skills alongside their degrees. By sharing data with industry and government, institutions can proactively identify skills gaps and align programs with economic opportunities that benefit both students and communities.
My Prediction: In 2025, skills mapping and digital badging will become integral to higher education. AI-powered skills mapping platforms will enable institutions to align academic programs with evolving workforce demands, ensuring graduates possess the competencies employers are actively seeking. Digital badging systems will provide students with verifiable, portable credentials that showcase their skills in real time. AI-driven tools will also connect students with apprenticeships and on-the-job training opportunities tailored to their fields of study, integrating education and work in meaningful ways. Ensuring students graduate with the skills they need is not only key to their success but also essential for reinventing higher education to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Stacking Skills
I’m convinced that Lifelong Learning is no longer just a buzz phrase—it’s a necessity. Staying relevant demands continuous skill development. According to the World Economic Forum, 44% of current skills used by employees will be disrupted within the next five years. This highlights the urgent need for professionals across all sectors to adapt, reskill, and upskill throughout their careers. Whether it’s mastering emerging technologies like AI or pursuing personal growth, people are embracing education as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time event.
In an era where DEI programs may be reduced or eliminated, technology is emerging as a critical ally in promoting access and opportunity. Lifelong learning has the potential to dismantle traditional barriers to education, creating pathways for anyone to develop the skills needed to thrive. This trend relies on inclusivity; closing the skills gap requires that everyone—regardless of socioeconomic background—has access to the tools and opportunities needed for workforce success.
My Prediction: In 2025, higher education systems, consortia, and states will collaborate to address the skills gap at scale. These efforts will center on creating shared data and frameworks to better align education with workforce needs in an efficient manner while reducing logistical barriers. Education is not finite. It can’t be. It demands an ongoing commitment to growth and reinvention. Lifelong learning will undoubtedly become a cornerstone of how individuals, organizations, and states adapt, innovate, and succeed in an increasingly skills-driven world.
The Future is Skills
As we look to 2025, one thing is clear: skills are the future of higher education and the workforce. The shift toward a skills-driven approach is reshaping success for learners, institutions, and industries. By embracing innovations like stackable credentials, digital badging, and AI-driven skills mapping, higher education can ensure learning remains relevant, accessible, and inclusive.
This transformation demands collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to lifelong learning. The result? A future where education empowers everyone to thrive. Let’s get started.