Bridging Ideas and Institutions: The Power of Collaboration at AAC&U’s Annual Meeting

In 2024, the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) became the first Affiliate Partner to join the EdgeMarket cooperative. This partnership provides AAC&U and its over 800 members with access to a wide range of services and solutions through EdgeMarket’s streamlined procurement platform. These services include advanced technology, cloud computing, digital transformation, and cybersecurity solutions, all designed to streamline the procurement process. By providing colleges and universities with access to competitively priced products and services, the collaboration aims to reduce both costs and administrative burdens, making it easier for institutions to acquire the tools they need to support their initiatives.

In addition to these services, the partnership focuses on addressing the critical issue of digital equity in higher education. With Edge’s support, AAC&U is working to bridge the technological gaps that can hinder educational access, ensuring institutions have the resources to provide equitable access to high-speed internet, devices, and digital learning tools. This initiative is especially important for reducing socioeconomic disparities in higher education, supporting AAC&U’s broader mission to foster a more inclusive and equitable academic environment. The strategic alignment between Edge and AAC&U reflects a shared commitment to advancing higher education through innovation, efficiency, and a focus on improving digital access and student success.

Connecting with AAC&U Members AAC&U held their annual meeting on January 22-24, 2025, where Edge proudly served as a sponsor and hosted a networking reception.

The sessions included explorations of education and artificial intelligence, contemporary global issues, leading change on campus, and supporting equity and inclusion. “One of the strongest takeaways from this conference was how supportive the attendees are of the nonprofit mission and the method of connecting with others,” says Josh Gaul, Associate Vice President and Chief Digital Learning Officer, Edge. “The people attending and engaging with AAC&U truly believe in what they do, and they see the annual meeting as a valuable and beneficial experience. The event also served as an in-person kickoff to our partnership, providing Edge with the opportunity to introduce ourselves and engage directly with AAC&U members, fostering meaningful connections from the start. Many attendees seemed drawn to our services because they directly align with the academic needs of higher education and offered valuable solutions that resonate with their priorities.”

Edge’s Member Engagement Manager, Erin Brink, adds, “Several AAC&U members shared that they found our resources unique and were surprised to learn that something like our consortium existed. The nonprofit nature of our organization enhanced our credibility, and they could see we’re here to genuinely help and foster meaningful partnerships that could support institutions in their missions. They also appreciated learning about EdgeCon and the community events that we host, which added another layer of interest in what we do. Partnerships within the nonprofit sector are essential, especially with the growing demand for support in these challenging times for higher education. Many institutions expressed how valuable it is to have a resource like Edge, offering thought leadership and team support in critical areas such as digital learning, instructional design, and cybersecurity. As we continue to expand our footprint nationwide, we’re excited to have made some new connections and help even more organizations thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.”