Online and hybrid learning models continue to evolve amid growing demand and budgets. Michigan State University is launching a Professional Online MBA in 2026 in response to the post-pandemic shift toward flexible learning. Institutions are experimenting with fractional Chief Online Learning Officers (COLOs) to provide expert leadership on a part-time basis, particularly appealing to small and midsize universities hesitant to fund full-time hires upfront. Inside Higher Ed’s special report highlights how outdated campus systems create friction for modern learners, especially transfers, adults, and first-generation students, urging integration and workflow streamlining to boost retention and outcomes. Concurrently, the area of AI in education elicits debate, with some educators cautioning against overreliance and emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human-centered learning experiences.