Educational Leadership and the Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Strategies, Challenges, and Opportunities

Abstract

This study investigates the role of educational leadership in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within Saudi universities, addressing the strategies, challenges, and opportunities involved. Employing a descriptive analytical design, the research used a validated questionnaire to collect data from 122 participants, including deans, department heads, faculty members, and administrators. The analysis focused on five key domains: leadership vision, strategic planning, technical and organizational support, faculty development, and institutional policies. Results revealed that leadership vision (M = 3.86) and strategic planning (M = 3.83) were the strongest predictors of successful AI integration, while technical support and faculty development showed moderate performance, highlighting areas for improvement. No significant gender differences were found, but participants with over 10 years of experience and those in senior positions demonstrated significantly higher perceptions of leadership effectiveness. The findings confirm that educational leadership plays a transformative role in advancing AI integration, not merely as a facilitator but as a driver of institutional change. The study concludes with practical recommendations, including strengthening infrastructure, enhancing leadership training, expanding faculty development, and fostering innovation through partnerships. These findings contribute valuable insights to both the theoretical and practical understanding of AI integration in higher education, particularly within the Saudi Arabian context.