Date
4-29-2026
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration (PhD)
Chair
Jerry Woodbridge
Keywords
artificial intelligence, higher education leadership, AI integration, faculty adoption, institutional decision-making, educational technology
Disciplines
Education
Recommended Citation
Harris, Dorian RyLeigh, "Fostering Innovative Leadership: A Case Study of Academic Leaders’ Role in Integrating AI Technologies in Higher Education" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8182.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8182
Abstract
The purpose of this case study was to understand the role of higher education leadership in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for faculty and administrative decision-making at higher education institutions in the United States of America. The theory guiding this study was the transformational leadership theory as it provides a framework for examining how institutional leaders influence the adoption, implementation, and ethical considerations of AI in higher education. The central research question guiding this study was: How do higher education leaders navigate the integration of AI technologies within their institutions? This study employed a qualitative case study design, with a purposive sample of higher education administrators and faculty leaders who have experience with AI implementation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, institutional policy document analysis, and observations of AI-driven decision-making processes. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns in leadership strategies, challenges, and opportunities in AI adoption. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of leadership approaches in AI integration, providing insights into best practices, potential barriers, and the evolving role of AI in higher education administration. Interview, focus group, and data collection findings showed that academic leaders experienced both significant opportunities and challenges in the integration of artificial intelligence within higher education. Leaders identified institutional barriers as major constraints to AI adoption. Participants also described a tension between AI’s ability to increase efficiency and the need to preserve human connection, emphasizing concerns about losing authenticity, empathy, and critical thinking in academic work.
