Leading Forward: League’s August Publications Examine AI, Student Support, and Creative Innovation

As community colleges continue navigating the accelerating currents of artificial intelligence, student success, and media innovation, the League for Innovation’s August 2026 publications offer three timely snapshots of institutions and leaders shaping what comes next.

The August issue of Leadership Abstracts features “Before You Buy Another AI Tool: The Leadership Decision That Has to Come First,” by Stephen Griffen. This article urges college leaders to pause before investing in the next promising technology and, instead, to begin with strategy, purpose, and governance. Framing artificial intelligence as a leadership challenge rather than simply a purchasing decision, the piece invites institutions to clarify their values, priorities, and readiness before expanding their AI ecosystems.

In Learning Abstracts, “Evolution of an Ecosystem: How De Anza College Fuels Student Success Through Integrated Support,” Ram Subramaniam and Michele LeBleu-Burns highlight the power of coordinated, student-centered systems. The article describes how De Anza College has advanced student success by building an integrated support ecosystem that connects services, learning, and institutional collaboration. Its emphasis on alignment and intentional design offers a practical look at how colleges can move beyond isolated interventions toward more holistic approaches to helping students thrive.

Rounding out the August lineup, Innovation Showcase presents “Pursuing a New Standard of Innovation in Community College Media Programs,” by Steven Swift and Stephen W. Phelps. This article spotlights emerging possibilities in community college media education, exploring how programs can adapt to changing technologies, industry expectations, and student aspirations. By focusing on innovation in curriculum, production, and professional preparation, the piece illustrates how media programs can serve as dynamic laboratories for creativity and workforce relevance.

Together, the August 2026 issues of Leadership Abstracts, Learning Abstracts, and Innovation Showcase reflect the League’s ongoing commitment to elevating practical ideas, bold leadership, and inventive models that strengthen community colleges and the students they serve.

These periodicals and other League publications are now available here.