Objectives
The AI enablement team will be led by the Deputy CIO and Chief Operating Officer, Tom Van Gilder, and will regularly update the ITS Senior Leadership team, the AI Task Force and the campus community.
The primary objectives of the AI enablement team include:
Promoting AI literacy: Educate students, faculty and staff on AI concepts, applications and ethical considerations.
Enhancing teaching and learning: Leveraging effective AI tools for the academic enterprise.
Supporting research: Facilitate AI-driven research across various disciplines and areas of identified excellence.
Enhancing administrative efficiency: Implement AI tools to streamline administrative processes.
Fostering innovation: Encourage the development of AI-based solutions to address real-world challenges.
Key Responsibilities
The team will undertake the following responsibilities:
Professional development: Design and implement AI-related workshops based on approved university tools.
Research support: Provide technical assistance and resources for AI research projects.
Administrative automation: Identify and deploy AI solutions to optimize administrative tasks.
Community engagement: Organize events and seminars to foster a culture of AI innovation.
Ethical oversight: Ensure that AI initiatives adhere to ethical guidelines and best practices.
Implementation Plan
The implementation of the AI enablement team will involve several stages:
Needs assessment: Conduct a thorough analysis of the university's current AI capabilities and requirements.
Team formation: Recruit and onboard qualified individuals to form the AI enablement team.
Resource allocation: Secure funding and resources necessary for the team's operations.
Pilot projects: Launch initial AI projects to demonstrate the team's value and impact.
Continuous improvement: Regularly evaluate the team's performance and make necessary adjustments.
Team Members
Members of Information Technology Services (ITS)
- Tobi Azeez, Systems & Research Computing, IT Research Engineer
- Ben Belton, Infrastructure, Systems Programmer/Analyst
- Michael Friese, PMO & Data Governance, AI and Data Governance Business Analyst
- David Griffiths, PMO & Data Governance, Project Manager for IT Infrastructure and Student Affairs
- Alex Guill, Technology Support Services, Tech Support Specialist
- Emory Maiden, Director of Academic Technologies
- Michelle Melton, Academic Technologies, Business & Technology Applications Specialist
- Janet Paisley, Infrastructure, Business Continuity and Operations
- Elle Smith, Office of the CIO, Knowledge Management Specialist
- Julie Taubman, Director of Project Management and Data Governance
- Sina Tashakkori, Systems & Research Computing, IT Research Engineer
- Laura Tickle, Office of Information Security, Security Operations Analyst
- Tom Van Gilder, Office of the CIO, Deputy CIO/COO
- Michael Vaughn, Academic Technologies, Academic Technologist
- Jeremy Wallace, Enterprise Applications, Business & Technology Applications Specialist
- Jim Webb, Deputy CIO and CISO
Faculty & Staff participants
- Gabe Casale, Office of Research and Innovation, Assistant Vice Provost for Research & Innovation
- Wil Cummings, University Libraries, Technology Specialist
- Elizabeth Deifell, Dept. of Languages, Literatures & Cultures, Senior Lecturer
- Derek Eggers, CETLSS, Educational Development Specialist
- Travis Erickson, Dept. of Recreation Management and Physical Education, Lecturer
- Mike Howell, Dept. of Social Work, Professor
- Jason LaFrance, Dept. of Media, Career Studies & Leadership Development, Associate Professor
- Susan Lane, Dept. of Nursing, Professor
- Stephanie Moretz, Walker College of Business, Lecturer
- Randy Reed, Dept. of Philosophy & Religion, Professor
- Scott Rice, University Libraries, Technology Coordinator
- Alicia Vest, Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Student Conduct
- Jason Xiong, Walker College of Business, Associate Dean
- Sarah Zurhellen, Writing Across the Curriculum, Assistant Director
Contact
To get involved or share suggestions for the team, contact Deputy CIO and Chief Operations Officer Tom Van Gilder at vangildertm@appstate.edu.