Inside the University of Cincinnati’s Digital Transformation

In an era of rapid skill depreciation, the University of Cincinnati (UC) is redefining the role of higher education. Bharath Prabhakaran, VP and Chief Digital Officer, outlines the digital backbone of UC’s ambitious Next Lives Here initiative.

He discusses the dual nature of his role – balancing robust IT operations with cutting-edge transformation in AI, data analytics and AR/VR.

Key to his strategy is a unique workforce model: a team of 500 experts, including 150 students gaining real-world durable skills. 

Bharath also describes how technology acts as the connective tissue between the classroom and the city, ensuring 54,000 students are prepared for what’s next in a digital-first world.