Leaders Unplugged: Beyond the Degree—Durable Skills, AI, and the Future of Learning
On-demand Webinar
The world of work is changing fast and higher education is rising to meet it. AI is reshaping how students learn, how educators teach, and how institutions create real pathways to opportunity. But the heart of a great education—learning to think, collaborate, adapt, and keep growing—is exactly what this moment calls for.
The real opportunity is bringing those two things closer together: the enduring value of a broad, human-centered education and the practical skills students need to thrive in a rapidly changing workplace.
Join former San José State University President Dr. Mary Papazian and CodeSignal’s Head of Education Amy Shackelford for an unscripted, slides-free conversation between leaders who care deeply about students and the institutions that serve them.
What you’ll take away:
- A practical framework for weaving skills-based learning into your curriculum without losing what makes education worth it
- A grounded take on AI in education: where it genuinely helps students grow, and where institutions are getting it wrong
- Insight into building stronger bridges between higher ed and the careers students are headed toward
- A clear-eyed view of where the education-to-career pipeline is headed, and what that means for decisions you're making now
Featured speakers
Dr. Mary Papazian
Former President, San José State University
Senior Education Advisor, CodeSignal
Dr. Mary Papazian has spent more than 35 years in higher education, serving as a professor, university president, and national leader in advancing student success and innovation. Now, as CodeSignal’s Senior Advisor for Education, she’s helping strengthen the connection between learning and opportunity.
Amy Shackelford
Head of Education, CodeSignal
Amy Shackelford is a seasoned leader in higher education sales and strategic partnerships, currently serving as Head of Education at CodeSignal, where she drives initiatives that connect academic institutions with skills-based learning and assessment innovation. With a distinguished career spanning major education and technology organizations including Pearson, The University of Texas System, and Coursera, Amy brings deep expertise in scaling programs that enhance institutional outcomes and learner opportunities. At CodeSignal, she focuses on expanding the company’s higher education footprint and aligning solutions with the evolving needs of universities and employers. Throughout her work, Amy champions bridging traditional academic pathways with real-world skill mastery, helping institutions adapt and thrive in a dynamic education landscape.
Why this matters now
Higher ed institutions are under pressure to prepare students for a labor market that AI is actively reshaping
Employers increasingly cite durable skills (critical thinking, adaptability, collaboration) as harder to find than technical ability
The gap between what universities teach and what careers demand has never been more visible, or more urgent to close
This is an opportunity for institutions willing to ask hard questions about how education and career preparation can work hand in hand.
