Kimball International proudly hosted Alternative Conversations: Attracting the New Higher Ed Learner, drawing together a panel of designers and industry leaders to discuss the future of academia. Against the backdrop of an ever-evolving educational landscape, the discussion illuminated key insights shaping the direction of higher education.

REID

Host

Kaelynn Reid

Design Futurist

Kimball International


As a Certified Design Futurist and the Host of Kimball International's Alternative Design podcast, Kaelynn encourages designers to make creative decisions today for a more promising human experience tomorrow.

Panelist

Marianne Lewis

Dean and Professor of Management

University of Cincinnati


Marianne W. Lewis is dean and professor of management at the Lindner College of Business, University of Cincinnati. She previously served as dean of Cass (now Bayes) Business School at City, University of London, and as a Fulbright scholar. A thought leader in organizational paradoxes, she explores tensions and competing demands surrounding leadership and innovation.

Panelist

Fiona Grandowski

Principal at Collins Cooper Carusi Architects


As a principal and firm owner at Collins Cooper Carusi Architects (CCCA), Grandowski is involved in all strategic planning initiatives at the organization. In her role, she combines an understanding of the different ways in which individuals learn, work, and play with her knowledge of interior architecture, furnishings, and materials, to further enhance the built environment. She has held various leadership positions within and outside of IIDA including as a leader of the IIDA Georgia Chapter and a member of the Interior Design Advisory Board at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, from which she holds a BArch.

Panelist

Bryan Alexander

Education Futurist and Senior Scholar

Georgetown University


Bryan Alexander is an award-winning, internationally known futurist, researcher, writer, speaker, consultant, and teacher, working in the field of Higher Education's future. Bryan is currently a senior scholar at Georgetown University and teaches graduate seminars in their Learning, Design, and Technology program.