The Key with Inside Higher Ed Ep. 183: Voices of Student Success: AI Tool Provides Predictive Analytics Data
Nov 26, 2025
Tracy Hartzler, President of Central New Mexico Community College, leads initiatives to harness AI for student success. In this conversation, she dives into how the new AI-powered tool, CampusLens, addresses student retention and enhances institutional change. Tracy discusses the importance of responsive data, challenges with legacy systems, and the need for robust AI governance. She highlights the balance between risks and rewards in adopting new technologies, illustrating the potential for improved career outcomes for students.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
CNM's 'Scrappy' Culture Enables Quick Pivots
- Tracy Hartzler says CNM is "scrappy" and able to move fast and pivot when initiatives don't work.
- She credits urgency from employers and students for pushing the college to be responsive.
Legacy Data Slows Student Support
- Central New Mexico Community College struggled with data scattered across seven legacy systems and 100+ applications, which slowed actionable response.
- Tracy Hartzler says unifying data is necessary to move from lagging reports to timely, operational decisions.
Automate Data Prep, Preserve Human Contact
- Use AI tools to free frontline advisors from manual data wrangling so they can act on student needs faster.
- Tracy Hartzler recommends automating alerts and preserving human contact for interventions that need relationship work.