At the 2025 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference, higher education technology leaders highlighted the strategic integration of AI and the necessity to adapt to a changing tech landscape as critical priorities. Institutions are shifting focus from deploying new technologies to fostering the skills and willpower needed to use them effectively, particularly as students increasingly expect seamless, consumer-like experiences. Higher education IT teams are transitioning from reactive to proactive operations by leveraging AI for predictive management and scenario modeling, improving operational efficiency and student experience. Balancing AI innovation with safety through proper governance and ethics is vital, alongside developing a data-centric culture and talent to interpret AI insights. Institutions are increasingly evaluating the ROI of tech investments to avoid costly downtimes and redirect resources towards innovation. By integrating AI to automate routine tasks, universities can focus more on strategic initiatives and innovation, ensuring they remain resilient and effective in empowering their communities amidst ongoing changes.