Higher education is entering a new era. Universities are navigating rapid technological changes like AI, evolving student expectations, new models of learning, and growing demands for accessibility, flexibility, and real-world impact. Amid all this transformation, one thing remains constant: the people leading meaningful conversations matter.

That's why we're excited to announce that nominations are now open for the Top Voices in Higher Education 2027. You can fill out our short anonymous survey to nominate yourself, a colleague or inspirational person here.

Every year, we celebrate the educators, researchers, innovators, leaders, and advocates whose ideas are helping shape the future of higher education. These are the people challenging assumptions, sharing knowledge generously, and creating positive change across institutions and communities worldwide. Do you know someone whose voice deserves to be heard? We'd love to hear about them.

Meet the 2027 Judging Panel

We're delighted to announce this year's judging panel for the 2027 Top Voice in Higher Education Awards with Vevox. Bringing together respected leaders from institutions across the globe, our judges represent a wealth of experience in student success, leadership, equity and belonging, and higher education innovation. Their diverse perspectives and commitment to advancing the sector will help identify the individuals who are making a meaningful impact through their ideas, influence, and contributions to higher education.

This year's judging panel includes:

• Dr Aisha El-Amin – Executive Associate Vice Provost for Student Success and Belonging, University of Illinois Chicago

• Dr T. Chase Hagood – Vice Provost for Student Success, University of Utah

• Dr Darleny Cepin – Senior Associate Dean of Campus Life, Oxford College of Emory University

• Professor Michael Goodsite – Pro Vice Chancellor, Research Services and Infrastructure, Adelaide University

What Makes a Top Voice in 2027?

The higher education landscape is changing faster than ever. Today's influential voices are not simply experts in their field; they are connectors, collaborators, and catalysts for progress.
Here are six qualities we're looking for this year.

1. They Turn Ideas Into Action

Great ideas are everywhere. Top Voices are the people who transform those ideas into conversations and tangible outcomes. Whether launching innovative programs, improving student outcomes, or driving institutional change, they move beyond ideas and create measurable impact.

2. They Lead the Conversation Around AI and Emerging Technology

Artificial intelligence has become one of the defining topics in education. We're looking for individuals helping institutions navigate this evolving landscape responsibly, whether through research, teaching innovation, ethical frameworks, or practical implementation that enhances learning rather than replacing it.

3. They Champion Student Voice and Partnership

The most influential voices don't simply talk about students; they work alongside them. From co-creating curricula to improving engagement and inclusion, these leaders recognize students as active partners in shaping educational experiences. 

4. They Build More Inclusive Learning Environments

Access, belonging, and equity remain central to the future of education. Top Voices advocate for practices and policies that help all learners succeed, regardless of background, ability, geography, or circumstance.

5. They Share Knowledge Generously

Influence isn't measured solely by titles or positions. Many of the most impactful voices are those who openly share insights, support colleagues, contribute to professional communities, and make complex topics easier to understand.

6. They Inspire Optimism About the Future

Higher education faces significant challenges, but it also presents incredible opportunities. We're looking for people who inspire progress, encourage innovation, and help the sector move forward with confidence and purpose.

Why you should nominate today? 

Recognition isn't just about celebrating individual achievement. When we highlight influential voices, we amplify ideas that can help institutions improve, educators grow, and students thrive. By sharing these stories, we create opportunities for learning, collaboration, and inspiration across the global higher education community.

Every nomination helps us discover individuals who are making a difference, often quietly, behind the scenes.

Who Can Be Nominated?

We welcome nominations from across the higher education ecosystem, including:

• Academic staff and researchers

• Learning and teaching specialists

• Student success professionals

• Educational technology leaders

• University administrators

• Policy influencers

• Accessibility and inclusion advocates

• Higher educaton leaders

• Industry partners working with higher education

You can nominate a colleague, mentor, peer, leader, or even yourself.

How the Process Works

Nominations for the Top Voices in Higher Education 2027 are now open. Once submissions close, nominations will be reviewed by our panel. We'll consider factors such as impact, innovation, thought leadership, community contribution, and influence within the sector. Nominations will close in December 2026.

Follow our LinkedIn page for the final cut off point.

Help Us Discover the Voices Shaping What's Next

Whether someone is pioneering new approaches to teaching, advancing accessibility, helping institutions embrace innovation, or inspiring others through their leadership, we want to hear about them. Nominate a voice via our quick anonymous survey and help us spotlight the people helping shape the future of higher education in 2027. Because the future of education isn't written by institutions alone, it's shaped by the voices courageous enough to lead it.