As artificial intelligence continues to reshape higher education, representatives from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff recently explored how AI-powered tools can strengthen enrollment, student success and the student experience.
Chris Riggins, interim vice chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Success, and Joshua Strong, interim director of publications for Enrollment Management and Student Success, attended Engage Summit ’26, a three-day conference hosted by Element451 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Element451 is a customer relationship management platform recently implemented by UAPB to support recruitment, enrollment and student success initiatives. The conference brought together higher education professionals from across the country to discuss emerging technologies, communication strategies and innovative approaches to improving the student journey.
A central theme of the summit was the “Agentic Campus,” a forward-thinking approach that uses AI-powered agents to assist students throughout their educational experience. These digital agents can help answer questions, provide guidance, complete routine tasks, and help students navigate enrollment-related processes more efficiently.
“AI should be used throughout the entire student success journey, from prospect to graduation,” Riggins said. “When implemented strategically, AI can help institutions engage students earlier, communicate more effectively, remove barriers to enrollment and persistence, and provide timely support at every stage of the student lifecycle. At UAPB, we view AI as a tool that enhances our ability to serve students while maintaining the personal connections that are essential to their success.”
The work aligns with UAPB’s commitment to creating value for students through access, affordability, support, completion, earnings, and wealth-building opportunity. By using technology to improve communication and reduce barriers, the university is working to provide prospective and current students with more responsive support from inquiry to graduation.
Strong said UAPB is still in the early stages of implementing Element451, but the platform is already helping the university better understand and respond to student engagement.
“Through events like Lion Fever Day and New Student Orientation, we have gained more accurate attendance data and the ability to create targeted communications based on student engagement,” Strong said. “As we expand its capabilities, AI-powered agents will be able to support students around the clock through calls, texts and chat platforms.”
Strong said his vision is to develop specialized agents focused on admissions, financial aid, housing and student success so prospective students receive timely guidance and support.
“The insights gained through Element451’s Engage Summit are helping us enhance the student experience, strengthen enrollment efforts and support UAPB’s goal of reaching 3,000 students and beyond,” Strong said. “I encourage everyone to embrace AI and find meaningful ways to incorporate it into their work, studies and daily lives. When used responsibly, AI can assist with assignments, streamline routine tasks, improve communication and help prepare us for the opportunities of tomorrow.”
While artificial intelligence is changing the higher education landscape, UAPB leaders said human connection remains central to student success. By combining innovative technology with personalized support, the university is working to create a more responsive enrollment experience and help students receive the guidance, support and opportunities they need to thrive.
