Rapidly changing student expectations are driving a need for increasingly innovative technology systems in higher education. This quantitative research study evaluated the problem of understanding ways to effectively drive adoption of innovative technology within higher education. Emotional intelligence was researched and analyzed as a possible factor in the adoption of innovative technologies in higher education. Through an online survey, data was gathered to support a linear regression model and moderated multiple regression to test the effect of emotional intelligence and perceived ease of use on the behavioral intention to adopt an innovative technology. A weak positive linear relationship was discovered between emotional intelligence and behavioral intention to adopt an innovative technology. Evidence was not found of a moderating effect of emotional intelligence on the relationship between perceived ease of use and behavioral intention to adopt an innovative technology, nor of a moderating effect of perceived ease of use on the relationship between emotional intelligence and behavioral intention to adopt an innovative technology. Future research could focus on expanding the number of factors which are evaluated in conjunction with emotional intelligence. Future research could also include a larger sample to increase generalizability of results. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]