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Higher Ed Chats

February 10th, 2026

13 minutes

AIEA 2026: How to Navigate Volatility in Global Higher Education

In this episode of Keystone Higher Ed Chats, host Scott Miller speaks with Clare Overmann, CEO of the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), about the shifting realities shaping global higher education leadership. With over two decades of experience in international education, Clare shares her personal journey into the field and explains AIEA’s mission as the professional home for senior international officers navigating complex institutional and global challenges.

AIEA’s 2026 Annual Conference takes place in Washington, DC, from the 16th to the 19th of February. That’s why the conversation centers on the 2026 AIEA Conference theme, “Leading the Way: Navigating Volatility and New Realities in International Education,” and explores how geopolitical instability, public scrutiny of higher education, demographic shifts, and financial pressures are redefining the work of international leaders. Clare emphasizes the growing importance of courageous, empathetic leadership and the need for institutions to build agility, resilience, and innovative partnership models during uncertain times.

Scott and Clare also discuss the expanding role of entrepreneurial thinking in international offices, from developing new revenue streams to designing flexible mobility and collaboration models. The episode further examines how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are transforming international education workflows, student preparation, and ethical considerations across campuses.

Looking ahead, Clare offers insight into how global higher education in the United States may evolve over the next five years, particularly amid declining domestic enrollments and the growing importance of international students. This episode offers timely perspectives for leaders seeking to future-proof their global strategies and strengthen institutional impact.

Who’s in the episode?

Scott Miller_headshot
Scott Miller

Scott Miller is the host of Keystone Higher Ed Chats and the Executive Director of Keystone's international division, bringing over 11 years of EdTech experience to conversations about global education. 


After graduating from DePauw University, living and working in different cultures showed him that stepping outside your comfort zone doesn't just broaden your horizons; it reshapes them entirely. That belief in the transformative power of international experiences brought Scott to Keystone in 2010, where he's spent over a decade (and counting) helping higher education institutions reach students worldwide. 


On Keystone Higher Ed Chats, Scott speaks with thought-leaders in the industry about what he's most passionate about: how education changes lives, how cultural experiences broaden perspectives at any age, and how Keystone's mission—connecting students with their ideal higher education institution—makes those life-changing moments possible. 

Clare Overmann_headshot
Clare Overmann
Clare Overmann is the CEO of the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA). She’s an experienced international education leader with 18+ years of experience developing partnerships, driving projects, incubating new programs, and fostering individual and team talent. Clare has worked for non-profit and private organizations in the United States and abroad, including the Institute of International Education.

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