A combined $10 million from TCU and corporate contributions will fund a new artificial intelligence initiative aimed at spurring responsible use of the popular technology for research and learning, university officials announced Tuesday.
The money will go toward AI² — Accelerating Institutional AI — to enhance research that uses secure, high-powered computers; support students; and allow Texas Christian University to leverage AI across campus, officials said.
“We’re pleased to harness the opportunity and innovation of AI to accelerate learning, drive operational efficiency and expand research impact for our community at even greater scale,” Chancellor Daniel Pullin said in a news release. “Launching AI² is yet another material investment in our strategic plan, LEAD ON: Values in Action and, most importantly, our students, faculty and staff.”
Physical computing infrastructure and cloud capabilities will come from Dell Technologies, Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, according to the release.
The effort will contribute to TCU’s drive toward R1 status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, recognition for the highest level of research activity, according to the release.
“AI² gives our faculty and students a world-class tool to foster interdisciplinary research partnerships and generate high-impact outcomes,” Reuben F. Burch V, vice provost for research, said in the release.
In recent years, professors have implemented AI in class projects and used it to help expand teaching. Professor Leslie Browning-Samoni asked fashion merchandising students to use AI in class and solicited feedback that informed her doctoral dissertation.
As the initiative is implemented, the university will, in consultation with faculty, develop AI in teaching and research as well as research the technology itself and make sure it is used ethically.
“TCU’s investment is more than hardware and software — it’s another proof point that we are serious about innovation and impact,” Bryan Lucas, chief technology officer, said in the release. “In coming months, we will be launching additional tools and services for faculty teaching and research, student learning certificates that prepare them for real-world AI uses and institutional tools that enable TCU to continue to offer the best academic experience in the country.”
McKinnon Rice is the higher education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at mckinnon.rice@fortworthreport.org.
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