The center, set to open in the spring, will serve as a dynamic hub preparing students, employees and community partners for the responsible adoption and innovative use of AI and emerging technologies, officials announced Thursday.
“As a next-generation public university, we are excited to launch the center as an accessible and impactful resource for our students and the region,” said James Fisher, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.
The center will help faculty navigate the transformative impact of AI and emerging technologies on education by providing tools, knowledge and training to integrate AI effectively into their teaching. It will foster an inclusive environment where students can become proficient, adaptable and career-ready users of AI in a rapidly evolving world.
Additionally, the center will facilitate meaningful dialogue and thought leadership to address the economic, ethical, cultural, educational, political and legal challenges that AI poses. Collaboration with community partners — including schools, nonprofits, governments and industry — will help meet the challenges and opportunities of an AI-driven future.
Camille Dempsey, associate professor of education, will serve as the center’s inaugural director. Dempsey, a nationally known expert and consultant in AI and education technology, is a Faculty Research Fellow in Artificial Intelligence through the International Society of Technology in Education and an EDSAFE AI Alliance Catalyst Fellow. She also serves as a Google Women Ambassador, a Google AI Mastermind for Women and a Google Educator Group leader.
“AI is transforming the way we live and work,” Dempsey said. “PennWest has a strong cluster of AI-related talent, and the center will leverage that talent to benefit our community of educators and community stakeholders.”
• More information: Visit pennwest.edu/institutes/ai.php.
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