Plenary - Navigating Tomorrow: Developing Futures Literacy and Adaptive Leadership
The accelerating pace of AI and emerging technologies introduces unprecedented volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) to our learning environment. Relying solely on established practices can feel deeply unsettling. This session will demonstrate why Futures Literacy, the ability to understand why and how to use the future, is a critical capacity for every faculty member, staff professional, and student to develop. We’ll explore how practicing Adaptive Leadership enables individuals at all levels to engage in the work of change. Learn practical, hands-on tools to embrace experimentation, challenge outdated assumptions (“unlearning” our past mental models), and move from simply reacting to future shocks to actively shaping a thriving future for our entire university community.
Maricel Lawrence, Innovation Catalyst
Dr. Maricel Lawrence is the Innovation Catalyst at Purdue Global, where she plays a key role in shaping the future of education and work. She earned her Doctor of Education in Leadership & Innovation from Arizona State University, her master’s in adult education and training from Colorado State University, and her bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Indiana University. Maricel’s career in higher education began at Purdue University, where she contributed to the development and launch of online courses and programs. Before joining Purdue Global, she served as the executive director of UMOnline at the University of Montana, where she worked closely with the university’s colleges to identify growth opportunities based on learner needs, workforce demands, and industry trends.
