Students are confident. Recruiters aren't. And the gap between those two realities is the defining tension of higher education in 2026.
The NSLS's State of Higher Ed 2026 report reveals not one gap, but three: an experience gap driven by low internship access, a skills mismatch between what students think employers want and what recruiters actually prioritize, and an AI disconnect that represents a rapidly closing window of opportunity. In this roundtable, our panel digs into all three: what's driving them, what they mean for students and institutions, and what higher ed can do about them right now.
Watch: Mind the Gaps: Three Divides Shaping Today's Grads
This webinar covers:
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The three-way perception gap: 83.8% of students feel career-ready, but only 37% of recruiters agree
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The experience gap: why only 19.4% of undergraduates have completed an internship, and how institutions can expand access
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The skills mismatch: what students and employers each think matters most, and where they diverge
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The AI disconnect: how to turn moderate student anxiety into real, employable AI fluency
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Practical strategies to close all three gaps without major new investment
GUEST SPEAKERS:
Kevin Prentiss
Head of Product and Technology, The NSLS
Kevin Prentiss is a dynamic technology and product leader recognized for driving innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. He's focused his career on helping individuals and groups thrive.
With deep expertise in digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and AI-powered innovation, he has built resilient organizations capable of adapting to fast-evolving market demands.
His leadership philosophy fosters collaborative, highly-aligned, and mission-driven cultures where high performance and continuous improvement are the norm. He brings a future-focused, execution-first mindset paired with a grounded understanding of operational realities — a rare blend that enables companies to not just envision the future, but build it.
Amy Everson
Sr. Director, University Recognition & Institutional Events, American Public University System
Amy Everson is a seasoned higher education leader with over 16 years of experience advancing student success, engagement, and institutional culture. As Sr. Director of University Recognition & Institutional Events at the American Public University System, she leads the strategy and execution of university-wide initiatives that celebrate achievement, elevate community, and create meaningful milestone moments across the academic journey.
With a strong foundation in student and alumni affairs, Amy has a proven track record of developing and scaling initiatives that foster connection and engagement. Her accomplishments include expanding student organization opportunities and chartering APUS's chapter of The National Society of Leadership and Success, as well as contributing to university-wide programs that strengthen belonging and institutional pride.
Hannah Stoneburner
Director of Program Development, The NSLS
Hannah has been with the NSLS for nearly seven years, building on a decade-long career in traditional higher education. Prior to joining the NSLS team, Hannah spent 10 years working on college campuses, including several years in Residential Life and later serving as the Director of Living Learning Communities. Hannah's work centered on student retention initiatives and implementing high-impact practices. Hannah holds a Master's degree in Student Affairs Administration from Ball State University.
