The Year in Review: What Higher Ed Leaders Think—and What It Means for 2026
Rethinking the Workplace for Law Firms in the Era of Digital Transformation
Higher ed leaders aren’t short on challenges right now. From tighter budgets and rising expectations to AI governance and student well-being, institutions are being asked to modernize faster, prove value more clearly, and deliver connected experiences across every constituency—students, faculty, staff, and beyond.
And the pressures shaping 2025 aren’t going away—they’re setting the stage for how institutions must operate in 2026.
Join us for an “industry trends + year in review” webinar where we’ll share the most important themes we heard directly from Modo customers and what to expect next.
- Build sustainable, data-driven success strategies: Navigate budget pressures with retention-driven, cost-saving strategies to strengthen engagement.
- Prove the value of the degree through measurable outcomes: See students succeed post-graduation with proactive outreach, degree tracking, and early alerts—in an uncertain job market.
- Meet rising expectations for flexibility and personalization: Use personas, dynamic dashboards, and community spaces to deliver more personalized, responsive experiences—preparing you for 2026.
- Make AI real — responsibly: Approach AI adoption with governance, interoperability, and phased use cases that build trust.
We’ll also share what’s new at Modo, with a quick look at major platform updates across integrations, personalization, analytics, AI, and the continued unification of mobile and portal experiences.
About Your Hosts
Liz Richter
Senior Director, Operations and Innovation
University of Texas at Arlington
Liz received her Bachelor's from the University of North Texas and her Masters in Organizational Development. She is a dedicated higher education professional with a successful track record in academic advising, project management, and organizational development, and is a skilled leader. Liz supports the operations and technology initiatives within the Division of Student Success at UTA.
Dan Jamara
Senior Director, Customer Success, Modo Labs
Dan Jamara is the Senior Director of Higher Education Customer Success at Modo, where he leads the team responsible for partnering directly with institutions to ensure their portals and native apps thrive within their campus communities. He is also a familiar face to many as the host of Modo’s monthly User Group (MUG) calls. Prior to his current role, Dan led Modo’s implementation and support teams and served as Head of Customer Experience at a medical technology startup.
About Your Hosts
Phil Kirschner
Future of Work Expert, PK Consulting
Phil is a global thought leader with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of employee experience, corporate real estate, and technology strategy. He leverages data-driven insights to help organizations enhance productivity, talent retention, and engagement. Passionate about the future of work, Phil advocates for dynamic, sustainable, and inclusive workplaces that uplift human potential.
Adam Stoltz
Cofounder, Former AmLaw Workplace Experience Operations
Adam Stoltz is a corporate real estate and workplace experience leader with over 15 years of experience in strategy, operations, and employee services. He specializes in managing global portfolios, workplace strategy, and employee experiences, with expertise in occupancy management, vendor relations, wellness programs, and design and construction. Adam is passionate about creating efficient, engaging work environments that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction.
Marc Grainger
Chief People Officer, Debevoise & Plimpton
Marc Grainger is an experienced HR leader with over 15 years in talent development, leadership, and diversity. As Chief People Officer at Debevoise & Plimpton, he leads strategic initiatives to drive culture, performance, and employee engagement. Previously, Marc spent over a decade at Credit Suisse, where he held global leadership roles in People Development and Diversity & Inclusion. He is an expert in shaping high-performing, inclusive workplaces.
Laurie Rothenberg
Global Real Estate & Workplace Strategy Lead Counsel, Pfizer
Laurie Rothenberg is a leader in Global Workplace and Corporate Real Estate Strategy with 17 years at Pfizer, specializing in shaping resilient, employee-centric workplaces. She has a proven track record in optimizing portfolio strategies, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and integrating ESG principles into real estate decisions. Laurie is passionate about creating inspiring workplaces that enhance employee engagement, operational efficiency, and organizational success.
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