Kristen Gay is an experienced researcher and educator committed to advancing learning through data-informed insights, with a strong focus on student needs and engagement. As a researcher at EDUCAUSE, she investigates emerging trends in technology and higher education, drawing on her background in research, teaching, and academic support. She previously served as Director of Research at the Online Learning Consortium and has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Kristen also held leadership roles in writing programs and centers at the University of South Florida and the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout her career, she has leveraged new technologies and pedagogical approaches to enhance learning and support services, frequently piloting digital models for courses, degree programs, and tutoring to improve student outcomes.
The 2026 CHLOE Conversations Report Series is a new qualitative study that builds on these national survey findings to explore how online learning leaders are approaching some of the field’s most pressing strategic questions.
Sophie talks with Liv Gjestvang, Nicole Muscanell, and Kristen Gay about the the latest EDUCAUSE workforce research and how higher education institutions can support teams amid a cycle of reactivity.
The 2026 EDUCAUSE Workforce Report examines how higher education technology and data professionals are adapting to rapid change driven by artificial intelligence (AI), financial pressures, and shifting institutional priorities. It focuses on how teams—not just institutions—are absorbing and responding to these changes.
| Status: | Yes, current member |