What’s Next for 2U? CEO Kees Bol Talks Microcredentials, University Partnerships, and AI
Edtech Insiders
Intro
This chapter explores the evolution of 2U, focusing on its strategic partnerships and acquisitions. It emphasizes the CEO's pivotal role in driving the company's mission to enhance access to higher education.
Kees Bol is the CEO of 2U, a global leader in education technology that expands access to affordable, career-relevant learning in partnership with the world's top universities, institutions, and industry experts. As CEO, Bol oversees all aspects of 2U's business while driving its long-standing mission: to provide learners worldwide with life-changing higher education that unlocks potential, fosters social mobility, and enhances economic security. Before joining 2U, he was the CEO of Boundless Learning, a global online program management business. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles as Chief Marketing Officer at Strategic Education and Senior Vice President of Marketing, Enrollment, and Retention for Pearson's K-12 virtual school division. Bol got his start at McKinsey & Company and honed his strategic expertise at Capital One. Originally aspiring to be a scientist, Bol earned a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Harvard University. Now that their three children are grown and have left the home, Bol and his wife are enjoying life as empty nesters in Washington, D.C.
💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why 2U is doubling down on microcredentials and short-form learning.
- How strategic acquisitions like edX and GetSmarter shape 2U’s long-term vision.
- The evolving role of AI in both content delivery and internal operations at 2U.
- How 2U positions itself as a growth and innovation partner for universities.
- Why traditional degrees and microcredentials are no longer on separate tracks.
✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:04:52] The evolving role of 2U as a force multiplier for university partners
[00:08:57] How 2U helps universities stay agile in a rapidly changing education market
[00:10:42] Strategic insights on 2U’s major acquisitions – edX, Trilogy, and GetSmarter
[00:14:22] Why microcredentials are on the rise and how AI is accelerating the trend
[00:19:15] Three ways AI is impacting 2U: productivity, process, and product innovation
[00:22:42] A new kind of learning assistant: How AI is improving student engagement
[00:26:20] Advice for university leaders facing demographic and political uncertainty
[00:30:29] Kees Bol’s 5-year vision for 2U: growth, innovation, and high-impact education
[00:33:01] The blurring line between degrees and non-degree credentials in higher ed
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