The new economy of the 21^st century is markedly different from the new economy that industrialized nations encountered at the beginning of the 20^th century.  Approaches to education developed to meet 20^th century aims require re-thinking to meet interdisciplinary challenges born of unprecedented changes in what we know and are able to do today.  For example, many new technologies emerging today are so disruptive as to change the ways people live, work and play and the ways in which higher education institutions, businesses, government entities and more use their human and financial resources, and construct critical operating strategies and practices.  In addition, 20^th century professionals in colleges and universities currently face 21^st century students, so-called Millennials, in daily learning and discovery activities; and the Millennials' assumptions about many aspects of life are different from previous generations as are the ways they approach learning. How might productive learning activities occur across the parallel universes of 20^th and 21^st century faculty, staff and student life?  In this discussion, we will explore this changing landscape in higher education, with suggestions for engaging people in meeting the challenges of the current new economy.