James DeVaney

James DeVaney is a nationally recognized leader in higher education, organizational transformation, and innovation. He serves as Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovation at the University of Michigan and Founding Executive Director of the Center for Academic Innovation, where he leads university-wide initiatives spanning artificial intelligence, digital learning, lifelong learning, workforce development, and strategic partnerships.

His career spans nearly every part of the higher education ecosystem. Before joining Michigan, James co-founded Huron Consulting Group’s Global Education and Digital Education practices, advising more than 100 universities, governments, nonprofits, and education companies around the world. Today, he serves as a board director and strategic advisor to technology companies, investors, and education organizations, including Collage AI, Morningside, Anthropic, Coursera, 2U, Noodle, Podium Education, ASU+GSV, and UPCEA.

Across these roles, James focuses on how institutions navigate disruption, build new partnerships and business models, and harness technology and innovation to create long-term growth and impact.