Ellucian has recently announced a strategic alliance with KPMG Australia, a leading professional services firm, as a prominent global provider of technology solutions for higher education. This collaboration is poised to significantly bolster the digital transformation initiatives within Australian tertiary education institutions, enabling them to optimize operational efficiency and embrace cutting-edge Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions. The overarching objective of this alliance is to empower institutions to enhance their effectiveness and ultimately foster improved student success.
Jeff Dinski, Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer at Ellucian, articulated the mutual benefits of this partnership, stating, “The synergy between KPMG Australia’s extensive advisory and implementation capabilities and our innovative technology offerings will significantly strengthen our value proposition within the tertiary education sector. Our primary goal is to equip institutions with the necessary tools and confidence to embark on transformative journeys that lead to enhanced outcomes for their students.”
KPMG’s Global Student Success Practice offers a wealth of specialized expertise in student engagement and management. This practice is dedicated to assisting institutions in developing customized solutions and designing contemporary operating models that cater to the evolving needs of the student body. The Australian team within KPMG boasts a strong track record of providing both advisory and systems integration services to numerous universities across the nation. Their experience encompasses the successful delivery of large-scale digital transformation programs within the education landscape.
At the core of Ellucian’s technological contributions is the Banner SaaS Student Information System. This robust platform streamlines administrative processes while ensuring high levels of availability, resilience, security, and an enhanced user experience for both staff and students. Serving as a foundational system for over 1,400 institutions worldwide, Banner empowers tertiary education providers to achieve greater operational efficiency, thereby allowing them to dedicate more resources and attention to student success initiatives.
The convergence of Ellucian’s technological prowess and KPMG Australia’s strategic advisory services signifies a powerful synergy aimed at accelerating the realization of value from technology investments for educational institutions. This collaborative effort is specifically designed to enable institutions to thrive in an environment characterized by a student-centric approach, an increasing reliance on digital solutions, and a heightened awareness of cost-effectiveness.
Through this strategic alliance, KPMG Australia formally joins the global Ellucian Partner Network (EPN). This well-established ecosystem plays a crucial role in fostering the growth, learning, and mutual support necessary for Ellucian and its partners to effectively address the diverse and evolving needs of tertiary education institutions on a global scale. The inclusion of KPMG Australia within this network further strengthens the collective ability to provide comprehensive and impactful solutions to the sector.
Morgan McCullough, National & Global Education Lead Partner at KPMG Australia, emphasized the critical role of student engagement and management in the success of tertiary institutions. “The manner in which institutions interact with and manage their student population can exert a substantial influence on their local and international reputation, as well as their present and future financial stability. Our aim is to assist institutions in effectively meeting the expectations of their diverse student cohorts while simultaneously enhancing their operational efficiency through the adoption of innovative technology solutions.”
In essence, the alliance between Ellucian and KPMG Australia represents a significant step forward in supporting the digital transformation of Australian tertiary education. By combining their respective strengths, these two organizations are committed to empowering institutions to optimize their operations, embrace technological advancements, and ultimately prioritize the success and well-being of their students in an increasingly digital world. This collaboration underscores a shared vision of a future where technology serves as a key enabler for excellence and innovation within the higher education sector.
