University Design Institute Announces Ann Kirschner as Global Fellow
Educator, entrepreneur and senior advisor brings cross-sector leadership in learning, technology and innovation to UDI
The University Design Institute (UDI) at Arizona State University is pleased to announce Ann Kirschner, Ph.D., as a UDI Global Fellow. An educator, author, entrepreneur and senior advisor to university presidents, Kirschner brings decades of cross-sector leadership at the intersection of learning, technology and innovation.
Kirschner’s career spans higher education, media and emerging technology. She served as interim President of Hunter College and was Dean of Macaulay Honors College at The City University of New York, where she holds the title of University Professor. Her work in academic leadership has focused on expanding access to excellence, strengthening institutional strategy and advancing innovation across complex university systems.
In parallel with her academic career, Kirschner has been deeply engaged in the private sector, holding executive roles in five technology startups, including NFL.COM, NFL SUNDAY TICKET and FATHOM — an early online learning company that partnered with Columbia University, the London School of Economics and other leading institutions. Through her firm, Comma Communications, she advises universities and early-stage companies on strategy, leadership and the responsible integration of AI and emerging technologies.
Kirschner’s board service reflects her commitment to education, governance and civic responsibility. She currently serves as an independent director of Strategic Cyber Ventures and the Movado Group (MOV), where she chairs the Nominating, Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee. She is a director of the Paul and Daisy Soros Foundation and NYC FIRST, and serves as Acting Executive Director of Meyer Family Philanthropies. Since 2018, she has been an independent member of the board of ASU’s EdPlus and Learning Enterprise and currently serves as Special Advisor to the presidents of both Arizona State University and the University of California.
An accomplished writer and frequent speaker, Kirschner’s work explores history, leadership and innovation, and has appeared in major publications, including The New York Times, Forbes and the Chronicle of Higher Education .
As a UDI Global Fellow, Kirschner will contribute her expertise in institutional transformation, digital innovation and cross-sector leadership to UDI’s work with higher education leaders worldwide.
“Ann’s career exemplifies the kind of boundary-spanning leadership that higher education needs at this moment,” said Minu Ipe, Vice Chair & Managing Director of the University Design Institute. “Her experience across universities, startups and boards, combined with her deep commitment to lifelong learning, will bring invaluable perspective to our community of global higher education leaders and innovators.”
Kirschner joins UDI’s network of Affiliated Experts — distinguished leaders from around the world who collaborate with the Institute to advance bold, evidence-based approaches to university design and transformation.