Six Questions with Bruce Dahlgren, CEO of Anthology

Tell us about yourself and your background.

I've been leading technology and global teams for more than 30 years. I’ve also had the privilege to serve my alma mater, Stetson University, as a member of the board for the past five years.

Throughout my career, I’ve found that people are the foundational element for any company’s success. As a leader, it’s my job to foster a culture of trust and collaboration that empowers our team to think creatively, to move quickly, and meet challenges. When you do that, you can achieve some great things and I look forward to how we can move Anthology to the next level.

What brought you to Anthology?

I did a lot of research on the company and was really excited by the work Anthology is doing to drive innovation in EdTech. We have all the right ingredients and I’m really excited by the opportunities in front of us, particularly with AI. The company's proven track record of empowering learners, educators, and institutions through cutting-edge technology resonated with me on a personal and professional level. The dedication to creating accessible, engaging, and effective learning experiences is a mission and purpose I believe in.

Having spent 30+ years leading successful technology companies, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of innovation. I've seen how emerging technologies reshape industries and enhance human experiences. I believe AI, and especially the AI-facilitated tools we’ve recently launched, has the power to transform education and I’m excited about what that means for our company and the institutions we support.

What are you most excited about in the industry?

In the context of higher education, the integration of AI holds immense promise. Imagine personalized learning paths that adapt in real-time to each student's strengths and needs. Envision AI-facilitated tools that help educators provide timely and constructive feedback, fostering a more dynamic and interactive learning environment. When following an ethical AI framework, like the one that we developed and which guides our decision making, there is enormous potential for AI to make education more accessible and tailored to individual learners, regardless of their background or circumstances.

And the convergence of technology and education doesn't just stop at AI. We're on the brink of a new era where virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive simulations will revolutionize the way we teach and learn. These advancements will bridge geographical gaps, enable hands-on experiences in remote settings, and bring complex concepts to life in ways we've never seen before. And I, personally, am extremely excited to be a part of the possibilities.

How do you see the role of technology influencing the future of education?

The role of technology in shaping the future of education is both transformative and essential. As we stand at the intersection of innovation and learning, I believe technology must play a pivotal role in meeting the educational needs of diverse learners around the world. As a matter of fact, I know it will. You may have seen recently it was announced that Blackboard® Learn by Anthology will be deployed to support millions of students in Nigeria. Through Learn, students across Nigeria, regardless of their location, will have equal access to high-quality educational resources, interactive content, and expert-led courses.

This initiative is a significant step towards realizing an inclusive and equitable education system that empowers learners irrespective of their geographic constraints. Recent media coverage has confirmed what we know–learners want high-quality online learning. The desire is there, and we are helping institutions use technology to personalize and strengthen their offerings. Technology will empower educators with data-driven insights, enabling them to refine their teaching methods and provide tailored support to students. In essence, technology's influence on education will not only enhance the learning journey but also equip future generations with the skills they need to navigate an increasingly digital world.

Will there be any changes to the products, services, or market strategy offered by Anthology?

My focus is on immersing myself in our operations. I have been visiting our regional offices, engaging with clients and partners, and meeting with our incredible employees. Speed is critical in our industry, and I believe this approach is essential for evaluating potential areas where we can move faster and foster further growth to better serve our customers.

While I'm in the process of gathering insights and understanding our current landscape, any potential changes to our products, services, or market strategy will be carefully considered to ensure they align with our commitment to delivering exceptional value and maintaining our market leadership.

What would you like to say to Anthology clients?

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for your trust in our company and our solutions. As I step into my role as CEO, I want to reassure you that we remain a client-centric company.

You can expect seamless continuity of our services and solutions.

Our goal is to enhance your experience, driving us to explore opportunities for improving our products, services, and engagement models. Rest assured that any changes or updates will be carefully considered, and our commitment to your success will remain steadfast.

I'm genuinely excited to hear your feedback, insights, and suggestions. Your partnership is instrumental in shaping the path ahead, and together, we will continue to advance education and achieve great outcomes for your learners.