Tell us about your company and the problem it solves, or its benefit to learners or educators.
Thesis Elements is a cloud-based Student Information System, designed specifically for small to midsize colleges and universities. We help institutions streamline operations with an affordable, easy-to-use platform that takes the stress out of managing key administrative tasks. From supporting student success to speeding up financial aid decisions and simplifying federal and state reporting, Elements is built to make life easier for everyone on campus. With a customizable interface, automated workflows, and powerful analytics, we give schools the tools they need to make smart, data-informed decisions—without the complexity or cost of larger systems.
What is the challenge educators face today that is fixable?
Many smaller colleges are still relying on legacy systems that weren’t built to handle today’s demands. As those platforms age out or get sunset, institutions are left searching for modern alternatives that won’t overwhelm their budget or operations. The problem is, most systems on the market are built for large universities, which are overcomplicated and overpriced for what smaller schools actually need. A modern, cloud-native solution built specifically for smaller or midsized institutions can transform how a campus operates—offering the agility needed to stay competitive in a fast-changing higher ed landscape. These schools need technology that does more than just register students and manage accounts, delivering a holistic experience centered on student success.
What is the challenge educators face today that will persist?
Educators are increasingly balancing the demand for innovation against the backdrop of limited resources. Funding shortfalls and staffing constraints are nothing new, but they’ve become even more pronounced as enrollment numbers fluctuate and tuition hikes strain both institutions and students. The pressure is twofold—colleges and universities are expected to modernize rapidly, while students, particularly those concerned about post-graduation debt, are increasingly exploring nontraditional education paths.
Technology is often positioned as the solution, but its adoption brings its own set of hurdles. Most small and mid-sized institutions simply don’t have the bandwidth—financial or human—to deploy and maintain complex systems at the pace needed. Even when new platforms are introduced, legacy processes and siloed structures slow down the transition. Change management in this context isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a strategic necessity that requires buy-in from faculty and staff who are often stretched thin.
Layered on top of these operational and structural pressures is a fundamental shift in student expectations. Today’s learners want more—more flexibility, more personalization, and more digital ease in their academic journeys. Meeting those expectations with outdated tools or fragmented systems is a losing proposition.
What are the areas of education or training and workforce development that are being overlooked?
Many institutions are still playing catch-up when it comes to aligning their academic programs with real-world workforce needs. The disconnect between what’s taught in the classroom and what employers actually require has only grown more pronounced in fast-moving fields like AI and accounting. Institutions are being outpaced by the market, and without more agile curriculum development and stronger ties to industry, graduates will continue to find themselves underprepared for high-demand roles.
At the same time, the higher ed model still revolves around the traditional undergraduate experience, even as the majority of growth opportunity lies with non-traditional learners. Adults seeking to upskill or shift careers need flexible, practical programs that lead to tangible outcomes. That means institutions must think beyond degrees—toward certificate programs, microcredentials, and shorter, stackable learning pathways that can support working professionals and help stabilize enrollment.
Adding to the complexity is the underuse of data that could inform these strategic pivots. While schools collect massive amounts of student and institutional data, few have the tools, staffing, or processes in place to use that information effectively. Tapping into local employment trends and leveraging institutional insights should be standard operating procedure—not a future aspiration. For small and midsized colleges in particular, using data as a guidepost can mean the difference between staying relevant and becoming obsolete.
What do you foresee will be a challenge in education in three to five years?
Over the next few years, the higher education landscape—especially for small and midsized institutions—is going to face mounting pressure on multiple fronts. Sustaining operations in the face of declining enrollment and tightening budgets will be a real test of institutional resilience. Many colleges may find themselves at risk of consolidation or closure if they can’t adapt their models quickly enough to stay viable.
At the same time, the growing influence of AI and automation will demand thoughtful integration. From streamlining administrative tasks to enabling more personalized learning experiences, the potential is enormous—but so are the challenges. Smaller institutions, in particular, will have to weigh the benefits of AI against the costs of implementation, the need for faculty training, and broader ethical concerns around transparency and bias.
Regulatory demands will only add to the complexity. Shifting compliance and accreditation standards, along with unpredictable policy changes at both the federal and state levels, will create ongoing uncertainty—particularly around financial aid. Institutions that thrive in this environment will be those that can remain agile and forward-looking, with leadership prepared to embrace technology that centers on student needs and eases faculty and staff burdens.
