James DeVaney

James DeVaney is a nationally recognized leader in higher education, organizational transformation, and innovation. He works across the higher education ecosystem, helping universities, technology companies, investors, and nonprofit organizations navigate disruption, evaluate emerging opportunities, and develop strategies for growth and long-term impact. Over the course of his career, he has advised more than 100 universities, governments, nonprofit organizations, and education companies across North America, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Australia. James serves as Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovation at the University of Michigan and is the Founding Executive Director of the University’s Center for Academic Innovation. In these roles, he leads university-wide initiatives spanning artificial intelligence, digital learning, lifelong learning, workforce development, alternative credentials, educational technology, and strategic partnerships. His work focuses on expanding educational opportunity while developing new models for teaching, learning, and institutional innovation. Before joining Michigan, James co-founded Huron Consulting Group’s Global Education Practice and later its Digital Education Practice. His consulting work focused on institutional strategy, organizational transformation, digital innovation, academic program strategy, technology strategy, and sustainable growth. James brings an ecosystem perspective to his work with boards, executive teams, founders, and investors. He serves on the Board of Directors of Collage AI and advises Morningside Ventures, supporting education technology portfolio companies on growth strategy, market positioning, product strategy, and executive leadership. He also advises leading technology and education organizations including Anthropic, Coursera, 2U, Noodle, and Podium Education. James serves on the ASU+GSV Higher Education Insights Board, the Michigan Law AI Advisory Council, the UPCEA AI Hub Advisory Board, and the Board of Directors of UPCEA.