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Students believe they're ready for the workforce. Their schools are less certain. And the employers waiting to hire them are the least convinced of all. This three-way divide is at the heart of the NSLS's State of Higher Ed 2026, and it's reshaping how higher education must think about student success.

Join The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) for a panel-style roundtable unpacking the latest findings from our State of Higher Ed 2026 report. Our guests will explore three specific, measurable gaps in experience, skills, AI fluency and what institutions can do right now to close them.

This webinar will discuss:

  • Why 83.8% of students feel prepared for the workforce, while only 37% of recruiters agree, and what that gap actually means
  • The experience gap: only 19.4% of undergraduates have completed an internship, even though 94% say it prepared them for their career
  • The skills mismatch: what students think employers want vs. what recruiters actually prioritize
  • The AI disconnect: why students' financial anxiety and AI anxiety haven't yet converged, and why that window matters
  • Actionable strategies institutions can use to close all three gaps without adding to an already strained budget

Whether you work in student affairs, career services or academic leadership—or you're a student curious about what employers actually expect—this conversation is for you.

Can't attend the webinar? You should still register—all registrants will receive a recording of the webinar and a copy of the presentation slides. 

Thursday, May 28 at 2PM ET / 11AM PT

Mind the Gaps: Three Divides Shaping Today's Grads


PANELISTS

Kevin Prentiss
Head of Product and Technology at the NSLS

Kevin Prentiss is a dynamic technology and product leader recognized for driving innovation, operational excellence and sustainable growth. He's focused his career on helping individuals and groups thrive. With deep expertise in digital transformation, data-driven decision-making and AI-powered innovation, he has built resilient organizations capable of adapting to fast-evolving market demands. His leadership philosophy fosters collaborative, highly-aligned and mission-driven cultures where high performance and continuous improvement are the norm. He brings a future-focused, execution-first mindset paired with a grounded understanding of operational realities—a rare blend that enables companies to not just envision the future, but build it.

Amy Everson
Senior Director of University Recognition and Institutional Events at the American Public University System

Amy Everson is a seasoned higher education leader with over 16 years of experience advancing student success, engagement and institutional culture. As senior director of university recognition & institutional events at the American Public University System, she leads the strategy and execution of university-wide initiatives that celebrate achievement, elevate community and create meaningful milestone moments across the academic journey. With a strong foundation in student and alumni affairs, Amy has a proven track record of developing and scaling initiatives that foster connection and engagement. Her accomplishments include expanding student organization opportunities and chartering APUS’s chapter of The National Society of Leadership and Success, as well as contributing to university-wide programs that strengthen belonging and institutional pride.

Hannah Stoneburner
Director of Program Development at the NSLS

Hannah has been with the NSLS for nearly seven years, building on a decade-long career in traditional higher education. Prior to joining the NSLS team, Hannah spent 10 years working on college campuses, including several years in residential life and later serving as the director of living learning communities. Hannah's work centered on student retention initiatives and implementing high-impact practices. Hannah holds a master’s degree in student affairs administration from Ball State University.

MODERATOR