A primer argues that quantum cryptography matters to higher‑education IT leaders today because future quantum computers could break classical encryption used to protect research and student data. Institutions were urged to inventory sensitive datasets, prioritize long‑lived secrets, and begin migrating critical keys and archives to quantum‑resistant systems. A second guide for campus technology leaders recommends aligning governance, operations, and infrastructure to make existing learning, advising, and analytics systems work together more effectively. The playbook favors integration and governance over adding more point solutions, and stresses planning for long‑term cryptographic transitions alongside interoperability improvements. Together the pieces call on university CTOs and CIOs to adopt a two‑track approach: immediate operational consolidation and mid‑term cryptographic preparedness, with clear governance and cross‑campus project ownership.