Carnegie announced a continued commitment to higher education that places student connection at the center of institutional strategy, aligning research, strategy, storytelling, media, and technology to help colleges and universities navigate today’s interconnected challenges. The update reflects an evolution in how Carnegie supports enrollment, trust, relevance, and student success in an era shaped by demographic change and AI-driven discovery.
A Moment of Change for Higher Education
As colleges and universities confront a period of sustained pressure, rising scrutiny, and rapid change, Carnegie today announced a continued commitment to how it supports higher education—placing student connection at the center of institutional strategy, decision-making, and long-term success.
The Announcement at the 2026 Carnegie Conference
The announcement was made on stage at the opening of the 2026 Carnegie Conference, where more than 400 higher education leaders and professionals gathered to examine the forces reshaping enrollment, reputation, strategy, and the student experience.
More Than a Brand Update—A Strategic Evolution
While Carnegie introduced an updated brand identity as part of the moment, company leaders emphasized that the announcement reflects a broader evolution in how the company is responding to the realities facing institutions today.
Carnegie is aligning its strategy around integrated, innovative approaches—bringing together research, data, AI-enabled technology, and strategy—to help leaders address challenges that are increasingly interconnected and complex.
Why This Shift Matters Now
“Higher education leaders are operating in an environment where the stakes are higher and the margin for error is smaller,” said Gary Colen, chief executive officer of Carnegie. “Our responsibility is to innovate with purpose—delivering clarity, focus, and solutions that help institutions make decisions that lead to better outcomes for students.”
Student Connection as a Strategic Imperative
Carnegie’s work is grounded in a single belief: when students succeed, higher education thrives—and the world wins.
As demographic shifts, changing learner expectations, technological disruption, and public accountability reshape the sector, Carnegie has aligned its strategy around helping higher ed institutions build meaningful, lasting connections with today’s diverse learners.
Meeting the Moment Higher Education Leaders Are Facing
According to Michael Mish, Chief Growth Officer, the timing of the announcement reflects what the company is hearing from campus leaders. “Higher education leaders need partners who deliver strategic expertise and forward-thinking innovation,” Mish said. “Our evolution is about connecting strategy and innovation in practical ways—so institutions can address today’s challenges while preparing for what’s next.”
What the Updated Carnegie Brand Represents
The updated brand brings greater cohesion to how Carnegie delivers research, strategy, storytelling, media, and technology—reinforcing its role as a strategic higher education partner focused on trust, relevance, and results rather than short-term wins.
A More Integrated Approach to Research, Strategy, and Execution
“Our intent wasn’t to make a statement about ourselves,” said Tyler Borders, Chief Brand Officer. “It was to be more precise about our role and our responsibility in this moment. The brand reflects how our work has evolved and the standard we expect of ourselves as a partner to higher education.”
What’s Launching Next
As part of the rollout, Carnegie has launched an updated digital experience and will introduce new research, offerings, and insights.
New Research and Insights
This week, the company is releasing a comprehensive research report focused on online learners. In February, Carnegie will debut an updated Carnegie Intelligence newsletter, expanding how it shares perspective and practical guidance with higher education leaders.
Introducing Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)
Carnegie is also introducing a new Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) solution designed to help higher education institutions improve visibility in AI-powered search experiences—ensuring institutions are accurately represented as students increasingly rely on AI to answer questions about programs, outcomes, cost, and fit.
Navigating the Now and the Next—Together
“This is ongoing work,” Colen added. “Our commitment is to keep earning trust—by helping institutions navigate what’s next without losing sight of what matters most: changing students’ lives for good.”
For every college and university facing urgent and complex challenges, Carnegie is the student connection company that helps you navigate the now and the next in higher education. Our experts design custom strategies fueled by data, technology, and insights—empowering you to connect with today’s diverse learners and stay focused on what matters most: changing students’ lives for good.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carnegie and Student Connection
Who is Carnegie in higher education?
Carnegie is a strategic partner to colleges and universities focused on enrollment, reputation, strategy, and student success. The company helps institutions navigate complex, interconnected challenges by aligning research, strategy, storytelling, media, and technology around what matters most: students.
What does it mean to be a “student connection company”?
Being a student connection company means helping institutions build meaningful, lasting relationships with today’s diverse learners. Carnegie focuses on connecting strategy, data, storytelling, and execution so institutions can support student success, institutional relevance, and long-term impact.
What prompted Carnegie’s updated brand and renewed commitment?
Carnegie’s updated brand reflects an evolution in how the company responds to the realities facing higher education today, including demographic shifts, technological disruption, and increased public accountability. The refresh clarifies Carnegie’s role as a strategic partner helping institutions navigate these interconnected challenges without losing focus on students.
How does Carnegie help colleges and universities navigate change?
Carnegie supports institutions through integrated research, strategic planning, brand and storytelling, media and digital marketing, and technology-enabled solutions. This approach helps leaders align enrollment goals, reputation, data, and execution to drive meaningful outcomes.
What is Carnegie’s Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) solution?
Carnegie’s Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) solution helps colleges and universities improve how they are represented in AI-powered search environments like ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, and other answer engines. The solution focuses on content clarity, factual alignment, and structured optimization so institutions are trusted sources when students ask AI-driven questions.
