AACSB Deans Survey Finds AI and Finances Are Top of Mind

AACSB International released its 2026–27 Deans Survey, drawing on responses from 558 leaders across 75 countries and territories, including 522 deans (or equivalent heads of schools) and 36 interim deans. The survey identifies artificial intelligence as the clearest professional development challenge for deans, regardless of experience or region. AI in education and research ranks second among typical dean activities, but shows the largest gap between priority and self-rated proficiency. Finances are the most commonly cited challenge in open-ended responses (34%). The report also finds deanship tenures are shrinking—average predecessor tenure fell from 6.8 years in 2020–21 to 5.7—and time is a barrier, with 84% reporting limited or no time for development.