From Copilots to Colleagues- what Higher Ed Leaders need to know about Agentic AI
by Claire Brady, EdD
McKinsey is putting out some great writing in the Agentic AI space. The next chapter in AI isn’t just about smarter tools—it’s about autonomous agents that can act, learn, and collaborate. For higher education leaders, AI agents aren’t science fiction; they’re a strategic imperative.
What Is an AI Agent?
AI agents are software components that act on behalf of users to perform tasks—everything from answering questions to coordinating workflows. Think of them as digital team members who can plan, execute, and refine work with growing autonomy and intelligence. These agents draw on large language models (LLMs), like ChatGPT, and are becoming more dynamic thanks to advancements in memory, reasoning, and decision-making.
Why It Matters for Higher Ed
AI agents are no longer just behind-the-scenes tools. They’re showing up in the classroom (as tutors and feedback providers), in administration (as scheduling assistants or admissions screeners), and in advising (as virtual career counselors). Institutions that embrace agents early will be better positioned to offer high-quality, scalable, and responsive services across the student lifecycle.
5 Types of AI Agents You Should Watch
Copilot Agents – Embedded in tools like Microsoft Copilot, these agents help faculty draft syllabi, advisors respond to student emails, and staff summarize meeting notes.
Workflow Automation Agents – These agents streamline processes such as financial aid disbursement, student onboarding, or CRM updates.
Domain-Specific Agents – Think AI-driven course schedulers, mental health triage bots, or alumni engagement planners.
AI Virtual Workers – Early examples are already handling chat-based support; more advanced forms could assist with compliance, policy audits, and IT troubleshooting.
AI-Native Operating Models – Forward-thinking institutions may integrate agents across the org chart to reimagine how work gets done.
Actionable Insights for Higher Ed Leaders
🔹 Start Small, But Strategically
Don’t wait for a perfect, campus-wide AI plan. Pilot AI agents where the ROI is high and the risk is low—think student FAQs, appointment scheduling, or internal task automation.
🔹 Rethink Roles and Reskilling
AI agents won’t just augment work—they’ll change it. Now is the time to invest in professional development, creating AI-literate teams ready to collaborate with virtual counterparts.
🔹 Build Guardrails with Purpose
Trust and transparency matter. Ensure agents are reviewed for bias, hallucinations, and data security. Start conversations with faculty, students, and staff early and often.
🔹 Modernize Your Architecture
If your systems can’t “talk” to each other, neither can your agents. Prepare by shifting toward modular, API-enabled platforms that support agent workflows.
🔹 Aim for Transformation, Not Just Automation
Yes, agents can save time. But the real win is how they help you reimagine advising models, enhance student engagement, and deliver on your institutional mission—more equitably and efficiently.
In Closing
AI agents are not just tools. They’re teammates. And they’re here. Higher ed leaders who lean in now will not only meet the moment—they’ll shape the future.
Read more: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-an-ai-agent?cid=other-eml-shl-mip-mck&hlkid=0af2b1f3c9f44e20aa129c996b4163c9&hctky=15266629&hdpid=ced23920-b70c-45f0-8bb4-df31cdb4c7a2
Image created by Leonardo.Ai
