Ellucian CEO Laura Ipsen named to 2026 CNBC Changemakers list

Ipsen (right) said the recognition reflects the work of the wider higher education community.

Laura Ipsen, president and CEO of higher education technology company Ellucian, has been named to the 2026 CNBC Changemakers: Women Transforming Business list, recognising female leaders driving measurable impact across industries.

The annual CNBC ranking highlights women reshaping business through innovation and purpose-driven leadership. Ipsen was selected for guiding Ellucian’s transformation and expanding the role of technology in higher education globally.

Since joining the company in 2017, Ipsen has led Ellucian’s shift toward software-as-a-service platforms and the development of AI-powered tools designed to improve student outcomes and streamline university operations. The company says these innovations aim to help institutions deliver more personalised learning experiences while improving efficiency.

Ipsen said the recognition reflects the work of the wider higher education community.

«I’m deeply honored to be named to this year’s CNBC Changemakers list alongside leaders who are reimagining what’s possible and turning bold ideas into meaningful impact,» she said. «Together, we are building the future of learning and unlocking learning for all.»

Under her leadership, Ellucian has also expanded its social impact efforts through the Ellucian Foundation, which supports the PATH Scholarship programme. The initiative has awarded millions of dollars in grants to hundreds of institutions and helped thousands of students.

A veteran of the technology sector with more than three decades of experience, Ipsen previously held senior roles at companies including Oracle, Microsoft and Cisco. Ellucian serves thousands of higher education institutions worldwide and focuses on digital platforms spanning the entire student lifecycle.

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