Mission
One Month In: Why I Joined 2U and What I've Learned
This article was originally published by 2U CEO Kees Bol on LinkedIn. Follow him for more content on the future of higher education.
The world of education is changing rapidly. AI is reshaping how we learn, economic uncertainty is influencing how people invest in their futures, and institutions are rethinking their role in an increasingly digital world. Change at this scale can feel daunting, but for me, it’s also what makes leading the higher education industry forward so rewarding. The best ideas are born from challenges, and the organizations that lean in, adapt, and innovate will define the future of learning. That’s why I joined 2U.
When I accepted the CEO role at 2U a month ago, I saw these challenges as opportunities. After five weeks of immersive conversations with key stakeholders, that conviction has only deepened. I've dedicated my first month to listening and learning—joining team meetings, hosting open forums, and connecting with our partners—and I've been struck by the alignment between what drew me to 2U initially and what I've discovered: there's genuine excitement about our path forward, coupled with a true appreciation for the impact we've already made.
A Mission That Matters
You may look at my LinkedIn profile and wonder how a guy from the Netherlands with a PhD in Chemistry from Harvard ended up here as CEO of 2U. The answer is simple: I’ve always been interested in finding solutions for complex problems, especially solutions that truly help people. That’s what drew me to education. It has the power to change lives—not just for individuals, but for entire families and communities. The data is proof: higher education can lead to longer lives, greater happiness, and improved economic mobility. It’s one of the few investments that truly multiplies over time.
For years, I’ve watched how 2U has expanded access to life-changing education by partnering with some of the best institutions in the world. This company has been a pioneer in online education, building something truly exceptional: an incredible network of university and industry partners, robust capabilities spanning the educational journey, and a team deeply committed to expanding access to education that opens doors for learners everywhere.
At a time when the landscape of online education is rapidly evolving, I saw an opportunity to not just keep up with change but to help lead it. And to do that, I needed to be at the place best positioned to shape the future: 2U. An organization where we don’t just deliver services—we enable opportunities that can echo across generations. And that’s what makes me feel good about what I now get to do every day.
Listening to Lead
While I’m only about one month in, I’m already energized by the passion and expertise of the 2U team. I’ve had the privilege of hearing from folks who have spent years dedicated to our mission. They all share similar stories of learners they know who have transformed their careers and lives through the programs we power. These conversations reinforce what makes 2U so special: We’re in the business of creating opportunity.
I know I don’t have all the answers for what will make us successful—no leader does. The best solutions are found within an organization. Recently, I launched virtual office hours with employees to create space for more candid, open discussions, and they confirmed what I had hoped to find. There is not only deep care for our work and mission but deep care for our culture and how we’ll strengthen it together. I love that so many teammates are asking how they can contribute to our future—that kind of ownership and engagement is exactly what we need to take the business where it needs to go next.
The Road Ahead
If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my career, it’s that the best opportunities come wrapped in challenges. And I’m no stranger to them, or the edtech space. I’m drawn to solving complex problems, leveraging data, and bringing together the right ingredients to drive meaningful change in the education industry.
2U has those ingredients: a platform with unmatched reach in edX, a breadth of educational offerings that set it apart, a foundation of trust with universities and their learners, and a talented team that knows how to deliver impact at scale. The question isn’t whether we have what it takes to succeed—it’s how we maximize our strengths, execute with discipline, and build a sustainable path forward.
The demand for flexible, affordable, career-relevant education has never been greater, and technology is unlocking new ways to deliver high-impact learning to all corners of the world. Our job is to meet those needs by strengthening our partnerships, ensuring learners thrive, driving innovation at scale, and continuing to break down barriers to access education.
That's what 2U has always stood for: creating more pathways to opportunity. My vision for the future of 2U—refined through these first weeks of listening and learning—draws from that legacy and builds on it: to be the leading growth and innovation partner for the world's top universities and institutions, helping them win by enabling the delivery of high-impact education at scale.
Education is a force for good, and we have the chance to shape its future. Now, we must seize it. I'm honored to step into the CEO role at 2U and work alongside an incredible team as we write 2U's next chapter together. As I continue meeting with partners and employees, I'd welcome your thoughts: What do you see as the future of education, and how can we collaborate to expand opportunity in this rapidly evolving landscape?
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