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iRobot Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

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Global New Product Rollout Continues with High-Impact Launch Events
Company Continues to Execute “iRobot Elevate” Turnaround Strategy

BEDFORD, Mass., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT), a leader in consumer robots, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 29, 2025.

“We continued to make meaningful progress on our iRobot Elevate turnaround strategy in the first quarter and initiated the largest new product launch in iRobot’s history,” said Gary Cohen, iRobot CEO. “We are encouraged by the positive reactions from distributors, retailers and consumers, and expect to see an uptick in sales later in the year as availability of our suite of new, technologically innovative Roomba® vacuums and 2-in-1 vacuums and mops expands. As our Board of Directors continues its review of strategic alternatives for our business, we remain focused on executing our proven strategy and delivering the products our customers have come to know and love.”

The Company has achieved a significant reduction in operating expenses and production costs by transforming its R&D and supply chain model to better leverage the Company’s design capabilities and contract manufacturing partnerships. This reinvention of the way iRobot operates has allowed for a greater focus on innovation and improvements to product features, quality, and software. With respect to the current tariff conditions, the majority of the Company’s U.S. imports come from Vietnam and are currently subject to a 10% tariff rate.

“Our first quarter performance reflects what has been a major transitional period for iRobot as we worked to clear our sales channels of legacy product inventory. As we continue to navigate a dynamic macro environment, we expect our new products and lower overall cost structure to drive improved profitability over the long term. We expect to see solid sales traction later this year to support year-over-year revenue growth in 2025, and we remain on track to deliver gross-margin expansion and improved cash flow from operations this year,” concluded Cohen.

Marketing Highlights

In late March and early April 2025, iRobot announced the availability in North America and select European markets its suite of technologically innovative Roomba® vacuums and 2-in-1 vacuums and mops. Media coverage in North America and Europe was impressive with more than 200 pieces of media coverage in some of the world’s most influential tech/consumer outlets, reaching a potential audience (total UVPM/Circulation/Reach) of more than 2.5 billion.On April 16, 2025, iRobot introduced its new product lineup in Japan, engaging with more than 100 media outlets and influencers, resulting in more than 600 pieces of media coverage in one week.On April 23, 2025, iRobot announced the availability of the Roomba® Max 705 Vac Robot + AutoEmpty™ Dock in North America and select European markets.iRobot has continued to receive positive media coverage and product reviews around the world, including in Tom’s Guide US, Engadget US, Vacuum Wars US, The Independent UK, La Voz de Galicia Spain, Les Numeriques France, Fuji News Network and All the Things.

First Quarter 2025 Financial Results (in millions, except per share amounts and percentages)

Q1 2025

Q1 2024

Revenue

$101.6

$150.0

GAAP Gross Margin

20.0 %

24.1 %

Non-GAAP Gross Margin

22.0 %

24.6 %

GAAP Operating Expenses

$66.1

$24.2

Non-GAAP Operating Expenses

$53.8

$76.9

GAAP Operating (Loss) Income*

($45.8)

$11.9

Non-GAAP Operating Loss

($31.5)

($40.0)

GAAP Net (Loss) Income*

($87.3)

$8.6

Non-GAAP Net Loss

($60.0)

($43.0)

GAAP Net (Loss) Income Per Share*

($2.84)

$0.30

Non-GAAP Net Loss Per Share

($1.95)

($1.53)

*Q1 2024 GAAP operating income, GAAP net income and GAAP net income per share included the one-time net termination fee of $75 million received as a result of the termination of the Amazon Merger Agreement.

 

Additional Financial Highlights 

As of March 29, 2025, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents including restricted cash totaled $112.3 million, compared with $138.0 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2024. During the third quarter of 2024, the Company elected to draw down $40 million from the restricted cash that is set aside for future repayment of its term loan, subject to limited ability of the Company to utilize such amount at the discretion of the lenders for the purchase of inventory. The Company repaid that amount to restricted cash during the first quarter of 2025.As of March 29, 2025, the Company reduced inventory to $69.0 million, compared with $76.0 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2024.In the first quarter of 2025, revenue decreased 39.9% in the U.S., 26.9% in EMEA, and 20.8% in Japan, respectively, over the prior-year period. Excluding the unfavorable foreign currency impact, Japan revenue decreased 10% and EMEA revenue decreased 24% over the prior-year period. Q1 2025 revenue was impacted by additional promotional spending to stimulate sell-through of legacy products ahead of the Company’s 2025 new product launch, along with ongoing competitive challenges that the Company is addressing with its new product launches.Revenue from mid-tier robots (with an MSRP between $300 and $499) and premium robots (with an MSRP of $500 or more) represented 76% of total robot sales in the first quarter of 2025, compared with 81% in the same period last year.

Ongoing Strategic Review

As previously announced, the Company’s Board of Directors is conducting a review of strategic alternatives, including, but not limited to, exploring a potential sale or strategic transaction, and refinancing the Company’s debt. This review process is ongoing. 

The Board has not set a timetable for the conclusion of this review, and there can be no assurance that the exploration of strategic alternatives will result in any transactions or outcomes. The Company does not intend to disclose developments relating to this process until it determines that further disclosure is appropriate or necessary.

The Company remains actively engaged in ongoing collaborative and constructive discussions with its primary lender while the Board continues its strategic review process. On April 30, 2025, the Company further amended its existing term loan to extend the covenant waiver under the term loan to June 6, 2025. 

In light of the ongoing strategic review, the Company will not be hosting a first quarter 2025 results earnings conference call and webcast, and will not be providing a 2025 outlook at this time.

About iRobot Corp.

iRobot is a global consumer robot company that designs and builds thoughtful robots and intelligent home innovations that make life better. iRobot introduced the first Roomba robot vacuum in 2002. Today, iRobot is a global enterprise that has sold more than 50 million robots worldwide. iRobot’s product portfolio features technologies and advanced concepts in cleaning, mapping and navigation. Working from this portfolio, iRobot engineers are building robots and smart home devices to help consumers make their homes easier to maintain and healthier places to live. For more information about iRobot, please visit www.irobot.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which relate to, among other things: the Company’s expectations regarding the financial profile and impact of newly launched products in 2025; expectations regarding improved profitability; expectations regarding 2025 product sales and related revenue growth, achievement of gross margin expansion and improved cash flow from operations; the Board’s review of strategic alternatives for the business; and the Company’s business plans and strategies and the anticipated impact thereof. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations, estimates and projections about its business and industry, all of which are subject to change. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “could,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “may,” “would,” “might,” “potentially,” “estimate,” “continue,” “expect,” “target,” similar expressions or the negatives of these words or other comparable terminology that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes. All forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and are not guarantees of future results. These and other forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements and, therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any such statements and caution must be exercised in relying on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (i) the Company’s ability to obtain capital when desired on favorable terms, if at all; (ii) the Company’s ability to realize the benefits of its operational restructuring; (iii) the impact of various global conflicts on the Company’s business and general economic conditions; (iv) the Company’s ability to implement its business strategy; (v) the risk that disruptions from the operational restructuring will harm the Company’s business, including current plans and operations; (vi) the ability of the Company to retain and hire key personnel; (vii) legislative, regulatory and economic developments affecting the Company’s business; (viii) general economic and market developments and conditions; (ix) the evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes under which the Company operates; (x) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships that could affect the Company’s financial performance; (xi) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism or outbreak of war or hostilities; (xii) current supply chain challenges; (xiii) the financial strength of our customers and retailers; (xiv) the impact of any applicable tariffs on goods imported into the United States; (xv) competition; and (xvi) the results and impact of the Board’s strategic review of alternatives for the business, as well as the Company’s response to any of the aforementioned factors. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements are included under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual and quarterly reports filed with the SEC and any subsequent reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or Form 8-K filed from time to time and available at www.sec.gov. While the list of factors presented here is considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Consequences of material differences in results as compared with those anticipated in the forward-looking statements could include, among other things, business disruption, operational problems, financial loss, legal liability and similar risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. The forward-looking statements included herein are made only as of the date hereof. The Company does not assume any obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.

iRobot Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

For the three months ended

March 29, 2025

March 30, 2024

Revenue

$          101,569

$          150,014

Cost of revenue:

Cost of product revenue

79,598

113,913

Restructuring and other

1,658

Total cost of revenue

81,256

113,913

Gross profit

20,313

36,101

Operating expenses:

Research and development

14,686

33,878

Selling and marketing

26,051

29,716

General and administrative

19,016

(53,711)

Restructuring and other

6,174

14,146

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

136

172

Total operating expenses

66,063

24,201

Operating (loss) income

(45,750)

11,900

Other expense, net

(41,066)

(3,185)

(Loss) income before income taxes

(86,816)

8,715

Income tax expense

457

108

Net (loss) income

$          (87,273)

$              8,607

Net (loss) income per share:

Basic

$              (2.84)

$                0.31

Diluted

$              (2.84)

$                0.30

Number of shares used in per share calculations:

Basic

30,725

28,171

Diluted

30,725

28,266

Stock-based compensation included in above figures:

Cost of revenue

346

828

Research and development

910

2,897

Selling and marketing

965

1,338

General and administrative

3,093

2,885

Total

$              5,314

$              7,948

 

 iRobot Corporation

 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 (unaudited, in thousands)

March 29, 2025

December 28, 2024

 Assets

 Cash and cash equivalents

$            69,922

$                134,303

 Restricted cash

40,003

1,259

 Accounts receivable, net

30,804

49,865

 Inventory

68,968

76,029

 Other current assets

24,588

27,046

Total current assets

234,285

288,502

 Property and equipment, net

12,106

15,835

 Operating lease right-of-use assets

13,675

14,322

 Deferred tax assets

9,980

9,817

 Goodwill

171,548

167,288

 Intangible assets, net

3,225

3,212

 Other assets

16,690

17,161

Total assets

$          461,509

$                516,137

 Liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity

 Accounts payable

$            97,298

$                106,367

 Accrued expenses

96,761

100,597

 Deferred revenue and customer advances

9,794

11,280

 Term loan

224,084

Total current liabilities

427,937

218,244

 Term loan

200,604

 Operating lease liabilities

20,348

21,598

 Other long-term liabilities

14,017

14,452

Total long-term liabilities

34,365

236,654

Total liabilities

462,302

454,898

 Stockholders’ (deficit) equity

(793)

61,239

Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit)
equity

$          461,509

$                516,137

 

 iRobot Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 (unaudited, in thousands)

For the three months ended

March 29, 2025

March 30, 2024

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net (loss) income

$          (87,273)

$              8,607

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

2,623

5,812

Loss on equity investment

375

Stock-based compensation

5,314

7,948

Provision for inventory excess and obsolescence

384

200

Change in fair value of term loan

25,965

(1,008)

Debt issuance costs expensed under fair value option

11,614

239

Deferred income taxes, net

292

(127)

Other

1,638

(3,452)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities — (use) source

Accounts receivable

20,156

38,565

Inventory

7,434

16,066

Other assets

3,135

6,045

Accounts payable 

(9,642)

(74,601)

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

(8,100)

(3,232)

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

(26,460)

1,437

Cash flows from investing activities:

Additions of property and equipment

(118)

Purchase of investments

(8)

Net cash used in investing activities

(8)

(118)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Income tax withholding payment associated with restricted stock vesting

(84)

(390)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs

5,632

Repayment of term loan

(34,947)

Payment of debt issuance costs

(239)

Net cash used in financing activities

(84)

(29,944)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

922

882

Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(25,630)

(27,743)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, at beginning of period

137,951

187,887

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, at end of period

$          112,321

$          160,144

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, at end of period:

Cash and cash equivalents

$            69,922

$          118,356

Restricted cash

40,003

40,012

Restricted cash, non-current (included in other assets)

2,396

1,776

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, at end of period

$          112,321

$          160,144

 

 iRobot Corporation

Supplemental Information

(unaudited)

For the three months ended

March 29, 2025

March 30, 2024

Revenue by Geographical Region *

United States

$            41,440

$            68,896

EMEA

32,947

45,088

Japan

21,949

27,718

Other

5,233

8,312

Total

$          101,569

$          150,014

Robot Units Shipped *

    Solo and other

98

267

    2-in-1

312

189

Total

410

456

Revenue by Product Category **

    Solo and other

$                   36

$                   94

    2-in-1

66

56

Total

$                 102

$                 150

Average gross selling prices for robot units

$                 296

$                 346

Headcount

530

1,058

* in thousands

** in millions

Certain numbers may not total due to rounding

iRobot Corporation
Explanation of Non-GAAP Measures

In addition to disclosing financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP, this earnings release contains references to the non-GAAP financial measures described below. We use non-GAAP measures to internally evaluate and analyze financial results. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with useful supplemental information about the financial performance of our business, enable comparison of financial results between periods where certain items may vary independent of business performance, and enable comparison of our financial results with other public companies, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures.

Our non-GAAP financial measures reflect adjustments based on the following items. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, and the financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP and reconciliations from these results should be carefully evaluated.

Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets: Amortization of acquired intangible assets consists of amortization of intangible assets including completed technology, customer relationships, and reacquired distribution rights acquired in connection with business combinations as well as any non-cash impairment charges associated with intangible assets in connection with our past acquisitions. Amortization charges for our acquisition-related intangible assets are inconsistent in size and are significantly impacted by the timing and valuation of our acquisitions. We exclude these charges from our non-GAAP measures to facilitate an evaluation of our current operating performance and comparisons to our past operating performance.

Net Merger, Acquisition and Divestiture (Income) Expense: Net merger, acquisition and divestiture (income) expense primarily consists of transaction fees, professional fees, and transition and integration costs directly associated with mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, including with respect to the iRobot-Amazon Merger. It also includes business combination adjustments including adjustments after the measurement period has ended. During the first quarter of fiscal 2024, the adjustment included the one-time net termination fee received as a result of the termination of the iRobot-Amazon Merger. The occurrence and amount of these costs will vary depending on the timing and size of these transactions. We exclude these charges from our non-GAAP measures to facilitate an evaluation of our current operating performance and comparisons to our past operating performance.

Stock-Based Compensation: Stock-based compensation is a non-cash charge relating to stock-based awards. We exclude this expense as it is a non-cash expense, and we assess our internal operations excluding this expense and believe it facilitates comparisons to the performance of other companies.

Restructuring and Other: Restructuring charges are related to one-time actions associated with realigning resources, enhancing operational productivity and efficiency, or improving our cost structure in support of our strategy. Such actions are not reflective of ongoing operations and include costs primarily associated with severance and related costs, charges related to paused work unrelated to our core business, costs associated with the Chief Executive Officer transition and other non-recurring costs directly associated with resource realignments tied to strategic initiatives or changes in business conditions. We exclude these items from our non-GAAP measures when evaluating our recent and prospective business performance as such items vary significantly based on the magnitude of the action and do not reflect anticipated future operating costs. In addition, these charges do not necessarily provide meaningful insight into the fundamentals of current or past operations of our business.

Gain/Loss on Strategic Investments: Gain/loss on strategic investments includes fair value adjustments, realized gains and losses on the sales of these investments and losses on the impairment of these investments. We exclude these items from our non-GAAP measures because we do not believe they correlate to the performance of our core business and may vary in size based on market conditions and events. We believe that the exclusion of these gains or losses provides investors with a supplemental view of our operational performance.

Debt Issuance Costs: Debt issuance costs include various incremental fees paid to third parties and warrants issued in connection with the issuance or amendment of debt. We exclude these charges from our non-GAAP measures to facilitate an evaluation of our current operating performance and comparisons to our past operating performance.

Income Tax Adjustments: Income tax adjustments include the tax effect of the non-GAAP adjustments, calculated using the appropriate statutory tax rate for each adjustment. We regularly assess the need to record valuation allowances based on the non-GAAP profitability and other factors. We also exclude certain tax items, including the impact from stock-based compensation windfalls/shortfalls, which are not reflective of income tax expense incurred as a result of current period earnings. We believe disclosure of the income tax provision before the effect of such tax items is important to permit investors’ consistent earnings comparison between periods.

iRobot Corporation

Supplemental Reconciliation of GAAP Actuals to Non-GAAP Actuals

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

For the three months ended

March 29, 2025

March 30, 2024

 GAAP Revenue

$          101,569

$          150,014

 GAAP Gross Profit

$            20,313

$            36,101

Stock-based compensation

346

828

Restructuring and other

1,658

 Non-GAAP Gross Profit

$            22,317

$            36,929

 GAAP Gross Margin

20.0 %

24.1 %

 Non-GAAP Gross Margin

22.0 %

24.6 %

 GAAP Operating Expenses

$            66,063

$            24,201

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

(136)

(172)

Stock-based compensation 

(4,968)

(7,120)

Net merger, acquisition and divestiture (expense) income

(949)

74,117

Restructuring and other

(6,174)

(14,146)

 Non-GAAP Operating Expenses

$            53,836

$            76,880

 GAAP Operating Expenses as a % of GAAP Revenue

65.0 %

16.1 %

 Non-GAAP Operating Expenses as a % of Non-GAAP Revenue

53.0 %

51.2 %

 GAAP Operating (Loss) Income

$          (45,750)

$            11,900

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

136

172

Stock-based compensation

5,314

7,948

Net merger, acquisition and divestiture expense (income)

949

(74,117)

Restructuring and other

7,832

14,146

 Non-GAAP Operating Loss

$          (31,519)

$          (39,951)

 GAAP Operating Margin

(45.0) %

7.9 %

 Non-GAAP Operating Margin

(31.0) %

(26.6) %

 

iRobot Corporation

Supplemental Reconciliation of GAAP Actuals to Non-GAAP Actuals continued

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

For the three months ended

March 29, 2025

March 30, 2024

 GAAP Income Tax Expense

$                 457

$                 108

Tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments

48

601

Other tax adjustments

(131)

(192)

 Non-GAAP Income Tax Expense

$                 374

$                 517

 GAAP Net (Loss) Income

$          (87,273)

$              8,607

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

136

172

Stock-based compensation

5,314

7,948

Net merger, acquisition and divestiture expense (income)

949

(74,117)

Restructuring and other

7,832

14,146

Loss on strategic investments

375

Debt issuance costs

13,009

239

Income tax effect

83

(409)

 Non-GAAP Net Loss

$          (59,950)

$          (43,039)

 GAAP Net (Loss) Income Per Diluted Share

$              (2.84)

$                0.30

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

0.01

0.01

Stock-based compensation

0.17

0.28

Net merger, acquisition and divestiture expense (income)

0.03

(2.63)

Restructuring and other

0.26

0.50

Loss on strategic investments

0.01

Debt issuance costs

0.42

0.01

Income tax effect

(0.01)

 Non-GAAP Net Loss Per Diluted Share

$              (1.95)

$              (1.53)

Number of shares used in diluted per share calculation

30,725

28,171

Supplemental Information

Days sales outstanding

28

24

GAAP Days in inventory

77

107

Non-GAAP Days in inventory(1)

79

108

(1) Non-GAAP Days in inventory is calculated as inventory divided by (Revenue minus Non-GAAP Gross Profit), multiplied by 91 days.

 

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SOURCE iRobot Corporation

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Technology

Ellucian Announces 2026 Impact Award Winners, Honoring Institutions Leading with Data, SaaS, and Student-First Innovation

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Key Highlights:

Ellucian recognized four institutions for innovative use of the company’s technology solutions to improve student outcomes and operational efficiency.Award winners demonstrated measurable impact through SaaS transformation, data-driven decision-making, and student-first digital experiences.Each winning institution will receive $25,000 USD to support continued innovation and student success initiatives.

RESTON, Va., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ellucian, the leading higher education technology solutions provider, announced the winners of its eighth annual Impact Award at Ellucian Live, the industry’s premier technology conference. The annual Ellucian Impact Award Program celebrates visionary higher education institutions that are inspiring others to push the boundaries of technology and innovation. These institutions demonstrate the impactful use of Ellucian’s AI-powered platform and solutions to transform the student experience and institutional performance.

Recognizing Innovation that Transforms Higher Education

“Higher education is being redefined in real time, and this year’s Impact Award winners exemplify what it means to lead through change,” said Laura Ipsen, President and CEO, Ellucian. “These institutions are harnessing the full power of Ellucian’s AI-driven, SaaS-native solutions to break down barriers, unlock insights, and create more connected, student-centered experiences. Their work demonstrates how innovation, when grounded in purpose, can drive meaningful outcomes for students, faculty, staff, and communities worldwide.”

2026 Ellucian Impact Award-winning institutions will each receive a $25,000 USD award recognizing achievements across four categories, including Students First, Unlocking the Power of Data, Shaping the Future through SaaS, and Institutional Agility.

The 2026 Ellucian Impact Award Winners are:

Shaping the Future through SaaS

St. John’s University – Queens, N.Y.

St. John’s University earned recognition for its bold, institution-wide SaaS transformation through Project Genesis, modernizing core systems across student, finance, and HR on Ellucian’s SaaS-native platform. The university retired nearly 800 customizations, reduced support requests by 20%, and enabled faculty and staff to save 30–40% of their time through streamlined processes. Critical services are now significantly faster, with financial aid processing reduced from multiple days to one day and grade changes completed in about an hour instead of a full day. With 99.99% uptime and a more agile operating model, St. John’s is accelerating innovation while strengthening the experience for students, faculty, and staff.

Students First

Florida Polytechnic University – Lakeland, Fla.

Florida Polytechnic University was recognized for transforming the student experience with Ellucian solutions delivering a unified, student-first digital campus. The central workspace, MyFloridaPoly, is a single hub consolidating academic, administrative, and campus life resources. Streamlining access to essential tools and services reduced login barriers by 85%, increased mobile usage by 70%, and helped students save up to two hours per week. At the same time, the university retired more than 100 customizations and reduced infrastructure and licensing costs by 40%, creating a modern, scalable environment built around student success and continuous innovation.

Unlocking the Power of Data

Rend Lake College – Ina, Ill.

Rend Lake College earned recognition for using Ellucian Student powered by Colleague to transform a manual, paper-based state reporting process — collecting required student career and demographic data — into a fully automated, data-driven workflow. The institution expanded its data collection reach by 45%, increasing from 1,290 to more than 1,870 students, while boosting response rates by over 13%. Automation eliminated approximately two weeks of manual data entry, improving accuracy and freeing staff to focus on higher-value, student-centered support. The initiative also delivered measurable financial impact and supported a 5% enrollment growth, demonstrating how targeted data innovation can drive both operational efficiency and institutional outcomes.

Institutional Agility

American University of Beirut – Beirut, Lebanon

The American University of Beirut was recognized for its exceptional institutional agility, leveraging Ellucian solutions to sustain operations and expand global reach amid ongoing national crises. Through the launch of AUB Online and modernization of its digital ecosystem, the university increased its program portfolio to more than 30 offerings and generated $6 million in tuition revenue, with continued growth projected. At the same time, AUB unified access to services through Ellucian’s central workspace capability, simplifying the digital environment by 83% and increasing user adoption from 45% to 90%. Operational efficiency improved significantly, with 80% fewer support tickets, 20% faster registration processes, and a 40% reduction in IT costs — positioning the university to deliver resilient, scalable education to learners worldwide.

To learn more about Ellucian solutions, visit: https://www.ellucian.com/

WHAT IS ELLUCIAN
Ellucian powers innovation for higher education, partnering with approximately 3,000 customers across 50 countries, serving more than 21 million students. Ellucian’s AI-powered platform, trained on the richest dataset available in higher education, drives efficiency, personalized experiences, and strengthened engagement for all students, faculty and staff. Fueled by decades of experience with a singular focus on the unique needs of learning institutions, the Ellucian platform features best-in-class SaaS capabilities and delivers insights needed now and into the future. These solutions and services span the entire student lifecycle, including data-rich tools for student recruitment, enrolment, and retention to workforce analytics, fundraising, and alumni engagement. Ellucian’s innovative solutions, vast ecosystem of partners and user community of more than 45,000 provides best practices leading to greater institutional success and achieving better student outcomes.

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Bahamas Grid Company Appoints Two New Board Directors

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NASSAU, The Bahamas, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) today announced the appointment of Nikolai Sawyer and Debra Symonette to its Board of Directors, effective April 20, 2026.

These appointments follow the company’s recent transition to a fully independent, Bahamian-led operating model, including the conclusion of Island Grid Solutions’ management role and the appointment of new executive leadership.

Mr. Sawyer is a senior financial attorney with over 20 years of experience across corporate law, banking, and financial services. He brings deep expertise in regulatory strategy, risk management, and corporate governance. 

Ms. Symonette is President and Director of Super Value Food Stores Limited and a Certified Public Accountant with over 25 years of financial leadership experience. She has held senior roles in accounting, audit, and corporate governance, and currently serves as a Director of Commonwealth Bank. 

“With these appointments, BGC continues to strengthen its governance as we move forward as a fully Bahamian-led organization,” said Anthony Ferguson, Chairman of BGC. “Nikolai and Debra bring extensive legal, financial, and operational experience that will support the company’s long-term performance and accountability.”

“This is an important step in BGC’s continued evolution,” said Dareo McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer. “I look forward to working with the Board to drive long-term performance and reliability across the system.”

The company’s Board of Directors now comprises Anthony Ferguson (Chairman), Nikolai Sawyer, and Debra Symonette.

About Bahamas Grid Company
Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) is a utility company in New Providence responsible for upgrading, maintaining, and operating the island’s transmission and distribution infrastructure, with the goal of delivering reliable, resilient, and sustainable power to all residents and businesses. 

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Auburn’s College of Education embraces an AI-powered future to advance its mission

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AUBURN, Ala., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into daily life, Auburn University’s College of Education is sharpening its focus on this powerful tool and exploring how it can strengthen the preparation of future educators and healthcare workers.

Throughout the College of Education (and featured in the recent release of the college’s Keystone Magazine), artificial intelligence is being thoughtfully integrated across its four academic units, reflecting both the breadth of the college and a shared commitment to ethical, human-centered practice. Auburn College of Education Dean Jeffrey Fairbrother shared his perspective on how artificial intelligence aligns with the college’s vision for the future.

“In the College of Education, we’re committed to opening doors and improving lives, and artificial intelligence is an important door to opportunity,” he said. “I am proud of our faculty who are embracing AI to expand access, enhance learning and empower educators, always guided by ethics and integrity. By opening these doors today, we’re building a better future for all, far into the future.”

In the Department of Curriculum and Teaching, faculty are focused on teacher preparation and continuously improving methods of learning. Paul Fitchett, head of C&T, oversees several faculty members leading AI-focused initiatives, including some who are developing a course on the applied use of AI in the workplace that will come with industry credentialing.

“We are exploring AI through a number of different, applied facets,” Fitchett said. “Some individuals are leveraging AI to expand research capabilities while others are engaging AI to support teaching and learning, improving the educational experience for instructors and students alike.”

In Agricultural Education, Leadership and Communications, AI is treated as both a research tool and an object of study, with faculty developing a new AI course and even patent-pending technologies that support agriculture, Extension work and global food systems, always emphasizing the “expert in the loop” and transparency over blind automation. In Elementary Education, future teachers learn to use AI as a collaborative planning and efficiency tool, refining outputs through pedagogical expertise and deep knowledge of learners.

Margaret Flores, interim head of the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling, emphasized the importance of research regarding how AI will impact these professions. SERC faculty members are working to integrate AI into their classrooms to inform their students about future uses in their careers.

In Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, faculty are embedding AI directly into applied coursework, training students to critically evaluate AI-generated vocational data, labor market information and assessment recommendations while grounding decisions in professional judgment and ethics. In the School Counseling Program, students are prepared to navigate AI’s possibilities and limits through ethics-focused coursework and national research, reinforcing that empathy, nuance and confidentiality remain irreplaceable.

Meanwhile, the Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success (EAGLES) Program is leveraging AI as an equalizer for students with intellectual disabilities, using federally funded digital literacy and AI modules to promote independence, self-advocacy and access.

“AI can enhance the services or instruction that we provide, reduce administrative tasks and increase efficiency in research,” Flores said. “We must ensure that researchers are shaping how AI is changing our fields.”

In the Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology, faculty are working with AI in multiple ways. Through basic and applied research, faculty are addressing early childhood vocabulary learning and mathematics learning, and learning how AI can help with research workflow, STEM learning and even the development of education policy.

Several faculty members are also incorporating AI into their classrooms, including the use of an AU tutor to support independent learning and AI-explicit language in teaching materials such as syllabi.

EFLT Department Head Hank Murrah said that his unit’s approach is about embracing the changes that come with AI while also working to shape how it will affect the future of education.

“We view AI as both a transformative research tool and a catalyst for innovation in teaching and learning,” Murrah said. “Our faculty are developing AI-driven interventions for STEM education, leveraging AI to streamline research workflows and exploring ethical frameworks for its use in classrooms. These efforts position us to prepare graduates who are not only AI-literate but capable of shaping evidence-based policy and practice. We believe AI will redefine how educators design learning experiences and how researchers generate insights—making education more adaptive, fair and impactful.”

Matt Miller serves as the director of the School of Kinesiology, whose faculty members are exploring how AI can help with conducting research and processing data to find ways to improve a person’s health. Within the School of Kinesiology, AI is being introduced in coursework related to exercise prescription and programming, helping students analyze data, tailor training plans and think critically about how emerging technologies can support safe, individualized, evidence-based practice.

“School of Kinesiology faculty members conduct research that yields large and complex datasets involving measures related to human movement, including but not limited to their physical activity throughout the day, brain activity during exercise, joint angles while walking or throwing a ball and protein expression after exercise training,” Miller said. “AI helps faculty members make sense of these measures to translate research findings into practical knowledge that can be used to enhance health and performance.”

Additionally, in the School of Kinesiology, the Sensorimotor and Rehabilitation (SMART) Neuroscience Lab studies the neuroscience of human movement using virtual and augmented reality simulations. And now, a new member of the lab has joined the team to help understand things like balance and walking: Circuit, the robotic “dog” who comes complete with artificial intelligence built in. Circuit is what’s called a quadruped robot (“robot dog”), and he’s used to explore new ways of supporting older adults’ safety at home.

Led by Director of Physical Therapy Harsimran Baweja, the SMART Neuroscience Lab is using Circuit to study whether robot dogs equipped with artificial intelligence and advanced sensors can reliably track human movement during everyday activities.

While there are many uses for AI, College of Education faculty members are also acutely aware that the human touch is an essential part of their work. The overall goal is to use AI to enhance the service provided to another human being, whether they are a student or a patient.

“Whatever their approach, integrity and professional ethics remain the driving force for our use of generative Artificial Intelligence,” Fitchett said. “Maintaining these principles is essential as we navigate an ever-changing landscape.”

Together, these efforts highlight a college-wide approach to AI that spans disciplines and populations, using emerging technologies not as replacements for human expertise, but as tools to expand opportunity, insight and impact.

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SOURCE Auburn University College of Education

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