Closing the gap between technology and the people it’s meant to serve.

I’m Patricia Clay, Higher education technology leader and speaker. I help colleges and universities transform the student experience through strategic technology adoption and the cross-functional collaboration that makes it stick. Author of Bridging the Gap on Substack.

Let’s Connect

My Philosophy. Humans First. We “beat” AI by being better humans, not by being more like machines.

Recognition

Nien-Ling Wacker Visionary Award

Laserfiche

President’s Award

Computer Aid, Inc.

Hudson Spotlight Award

Hudson County Community College

AI Fellow

League of Innovation

25 years. Countless students served.

Years of Experience

Talks Given

Countless Coffee

Bridging the Gap on Substack

For Technologists Who Are Humans First

Writing from the intersection of technology rocketing forward and humans trying not to be left behind (or run over) in the process. A must-read for technologists who are humans first, and humans who are flummoxed by technology.

Subscribe on Substack

What Patricia can bring to your event.

Services

Whether you need a keynote, a hands-on workshop, or an experienced panel moderator — Patricia brings clarity, credibility, and 25 years of real-world higher ed experience to every engagement.

Invite Patricia to Speak

Engaging, evidence-based presentations that help higher education leaders understand AI, digital transformation, and the human side of technology change. Clear. Honest. Actionable.

AI ethics & responsible adoption

Digital transformation in higher ed

Technology & the student experience

Bridging IT and institutional strategy

Hands-on sessions that give teams practical tools for navigating technology change. Tailored to your institution’s context, always grounded in real-world higher ed experience.

Patricia brings nuance, humor, and 25 years of higher ed technology experience to panel conversations — as a participant or moderator. She makes complex topics accessible without dumbing them down.

AI & the future of higher education

Panel moderation & facilitation

Patricia M. Clay speaking at an AI ethics talk. Screen behind her reads: Use AI. Question it. Don't trust it blindly.

Featured Talks & Topics

AI is Not a Crystal Ball

Your Personal Information is Like Money — Protect It

AI and Change

Cloud vs. On-Prem: How Do You Decide?

Making Your Life Easier with Microsoft Outlook and Teams

Making Engagement Happen in Online Meetings

What People Are Saying

“I was just writing a post about how much I admire those that generate such great content on places like Substack, and here you are, writing such a wonderful piece. Thanks for sharing this insight.”
Allen Chen, Associate VP for Institute Technology and CTO

“You were/are amazing! Thank you so much for participating and making an impact!”
Chastity Farrell, Assistant VP of Continuing Education

Let’s Work Together.

Contact

Whether you’re planning a conference, looking for a keynote speaker, or want to discuss a custom workshop — I’d love to hear from you.

I typically respond within 48 hours (unless I’m deep in an AI ethics rabbit hole or refilling my coffee). Let’s chat.