CEO AND FOUNDER OF GRAY DECISION INTELLIGENCE

Robert Gray Atkins

In the News

Five New Degree Programs Planned for Fall Semester

Some new educational offerings are on the horizon for the next academic year at Montclair State University. Four degree programs are slated to start in the fall 2026 semester. Montclair worked with Gray DI to spotlight in-demand degrees.

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Gray Insights

Ghosting College?

Why are fewer students choosing college? Enrollment is falling despite steady populations, with sharp declines in male participation reshaping the future. What’s driving this shift, and what can institutions do next?

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In the News

Transforming Academic Predictions Budgets and Career Pathways With AI

An academic program evaluation system (PES) should enable smart, data-informed decisions about new programs to start, existing programs to grow, and a few programs that may need to be phased out. AI has been the foundation of PES for over a decade. More recently, AI is augmenting the traditional PES, making it more accessible and giving it some superpowers.

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Gray Insights

The “Turbulent 20s”

The “demographic cliff” may not be what it seems. Unpack global data, myths, and market realities shaping enrollment fears in today’s higher ed landscape.

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Gray Insights

The AI Tutor: A Human-Centered Approach

AI tutors can be transformative—but only when built the right way. Curious what that actually takes? From avoiding AI “hallucinations” to protecting professors’ content and making sure students get real support (not shortcuts), this deep dive breaks down the must-haves for building AI that truly belongs in the classroom.

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Gray Insights

The Fiscal Fitness Formula for Colleges: Enrollment, Efficiency, and Margin Growth

Fiscal fitness isn’t just about balancing budgets—it’s about ensuring long-term sustainability and student success. With enrollment growth rebounding and greater opportunities to improve efficiency, institutions have a prime opportunity to strengthen their financial health. Targeted enrollment strategies, smarter resource allocation, and academic efficiencies can drive operating margins without resorting to program cuts. Now is the time to rethink investments in marketing, retention, and faculty workloads to build a stronger, more resilient institution.

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Gray Insights

Stop Cutting Programs: A Smarter Approach to Cost Reduction in Higher Education

Facing financial challenges? You’re not alone. Many institutions are struggling to increase revenue and reduce costs, and traditional cost-cutting measures like program cuts often do more harm than good. These cuts fail to consider the complex web of revenue generators and resources within an institution. By gaining a deep understanding of program economics, colleges and universities can identify hidden opportunities for growth, optimize faculty workload, and make strategic adjustments that ensure long-term financial sustainability.

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