Artificial Intelligence

Chancellor’s AI Taskforce (AITF)

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Chancellor’s AI Taskforce (AITF)

The Chancellor’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force (AITF) is a cross-divisional team committed to assessing the evolving role of AI in teaching, research, service and administrative operations at Appalachian State University. 

Chaired by Chief Information Officer Keith Werner, the AITF will develop strategic guidance and recommendations for the responsible use of AI across campus while enhancing safeguards for institutional security and individual privacy.

Missions & Objectives

AITF Champions 

  • Stephen Ayscue – Continuity & Resiliency Coordinator, EHSE
  • Ellen Burnette – Organizational Change Manager, ITS
  • Gabe Casale – Assistant Vice Provost for Research & Innovation, ORI
  • Erika Cheung – Senior Associate Athletics Director, SWA
  • Jacob Crabtree – Master Police Officer (Alternate: Sergeant Lori Miller), APD
  • Colleen Deal – Executive Director of Advancement Services, University Advancement
  • Michael Friese – AI & Data Governance Business Analyst, ITS
  • Donna Gallo – Deputy Chief Communications Officer, UComm
  • Kristi Gragg – Interim Chief Audit Officer and Internal Audit Manager, IA
  • David Jamison – Associate Vice Chancellor, University Controller
  • Michelle Johnson – HRIS Administrator, HR
  • Nick Katers – Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management, Finance & Operations
  • Vicky Klima  – Interim Dean, Honors College
  • Sue Polanka – Dean, University Libraries
  • Rick Sears – Interim Executive Director, IRAP
  • Elle Smith – Knowledge Management Specialist, ITS
  • Julie Taubman – Director, Project Management & Data Governance, ITS
  • Brad Trahan – Interim General Counsel and Director of Institutional Integrity, OGC
  • Tom Van Gilder – Deputy CIO and Chief Operating Officer, ITS
  • Alicia Vest – Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Conduct
  • Jim Webb – Deputy CIO/Chief Information Security Officer, ITS
  • Nate Weigl – Senior Director of Admissions, EM
  • Keith Werner – Chief Information Officer, ITS

AI Governance

AITF Goverance

Caption: Review this graphic depicting the AI Governance at App State via PDF (241KB).

Voting membership in the AITF will consist of an AI Champions from each of the Appalachian State University divisions or units :

  • Academic Affairs
    • Research
    • IRAP
  • Enrollment Management
  • Staff and Administration
    • Athletics
    • Emergency Management
    • Finance and Operations
      • Facilities
    • General Counsel
      • Enterprise Risk Manager
      • Internal Audit
    • Human Resources
    • Information Technology
      • Information Security
      • IT Change Manager
    • Public Safety
    • University Advancement
    • University Communications
  • Student Affairs
    • Campus Services

The Chief Information Officer serves as the Chair of the AITF. Existing AI advisory groups, notably the Provost's AI Task Force, are actively engaged in investigating the responsible use of AI.  Academic Affairs also currently has AI advisory groups for respective divisions.  These, and other advisory groups as they are developed, will inform the AITF.