Episode
Ep. 84 - Betheny Gross: The Real Opportunity for AI in Higher Education
- Podcast
- The Signal
- Published
- Apr 24, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1739
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Summary
Is higher education using AI to simply do the same things faster, or are we on the cusp of a genuine transformation in how students learn, access support, and build opportunity? In this episode, host Jeff Dillon welcomes Dr. Betheny Gross, Research Director at WGU Labs, for a candid, research-grounded conversation about where AI is actually moving the needle for students—and where it's falling short. With over two decades of experience studying education systems and a current focus on equity-driven innovation, Dr. Gross brings a refreshingly honest perspective to the AI hype cycle. She shares the story behind STU, WGU Labs' AI-powered student support chatbot, revealing how it evolved from a simple FAQ tool into a "Swiss Army knife" that helps adult learners prepare for mentor meetings, build study schedules, and navigate the hidden complexities of college. But she doesn't stop there. Dr. Gross challenges institutions to think bigger—arguing that the real breakthrough will come when AI lowers costs, raises quality through consistent learning science, and creates fully personalized pathways for every student, especially the 25 million Americans who have never accessed post-secondary education. From the risks of handing learning over to tech companies to the imperative of designing for those "farthest from opportunity," this episode offers a clear-eyed look at what equity by design actually requires. Tune in for a conversation that separates signal from noise and offers a practical, student-first framework for the future of higher ed. Key Takeaways The Goal Is Public Education, Not a Particular Set of Systems: Dr. Gross carries forward a powerful framing from her time at the Center on Reinventing Public Education: our commitment to making quality education accessible to a…