3/14/25

By Tisa Mason

HAYS, Kan. - As technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, higher education institutions find themselves at a crossroads—an exhilarating yet daunting moment where adaptation is essential. Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is at the forefront of this transition, where a commitment to understanding and employing generative artificial intelligence (AI) has led to innovative approaches that keep students competitive in a rapidly changing workforce.

The story of FHSU's AI journey began when faculty members sensed a growing presence of AI in student work. Understanding the importance of AI literacy, the faculty contacted the Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies (TILT) department for support. This prompted TILT to respond by prioritizing AI literacy, recognizing that students with AI skills would enhance their academic experience and thrive in an increasingly competitive job market.

In the summer of 2023, Dr. Dan McClure, Associate Professor of History, spearheaded a working group that solidified FHSU's strategic approach to AI. The group convened various faculty and staff to discuss the opportunities and risks presented by AI, thereby creating valuable conversations about its role within the academic framework.

In fall 2023, the Generative AI Task Force was formed to focus on research, education, and policies for integrating AI at FHSU. This work aims to shape technological change rather than simply adapt to it, emphasizing education and workforce development, AI literacy, research, best practices, and policy creation.

Our education and workforce development efforts include AI courses, badges, and certificates in multiple disciplines, including agriculture, biology, computer science, education, informatics, and philosophy.

An AI literacy program was created to enhance students’ AI understanding. This program is delivered through our new student seminar course. To encourage student engagement in AI research, the AI literacy initiative also developed opportunities for undergraduate research.

The task force also designed a comprehensive longitudinal study to gauge perceptions and usage of AI among faculty, staff, and students. The insights gleaned from this research are instrumental in refining institutional gudelines and strategies for AI integration.  The survey will also advance research, providing insights that can shape institutional AI initiatives.

One of my favorite projects has been following the development of Therabot, a pioneering chatbot tailored for clinical psychology students. Therabot allows learners to role-play intake interviews and further their practical skills.

Through our AI Innovation Challenge, faculty members are designing AI chatbots that enable role-play simulations, debates, and interactive case studies, creating more immersive learning experiences. It is so exciting to see faculty developing these resources for their students. Current projects are in business, education, nursing, and criminal justice – each reflecting the vibrant synergy between innovative thinking and academic rigorousness.

To continue to explore, learn, and innovate, we have hosted two AI Institute and Fairs. This year, the fair was offered in-person and online to accommodate remote faculty and online students, reinforcing FHSU’s commitment to making AI education accessible to all. The event connects industry experts, academia, and the community, addressing fundamental issues such as ethics, applications, and advancements in AI.

The Generative AI Task Force has also been engaged in extensive listening sessions to formulate guidelines that reflect ethical teaching, learning, and research practices. The adaptive policy approach is crucial in navigating the fast-paced evolution of AI technology, ensuring that ethical considerations remain at the forefront of innovations and applications.

Looking ahead, FHSU envisions creating AI Open Educational Resources (OERs). OERs are free or low-cost learning materials anyone can use and reuse. OERs can include textbooks, videos, online courses, and more. OERs focus on affordability as they provide access to educational materials without the burden of additional debt. I was thrilled to learn of Dr. Moy's recent OER & AI Fellowship, an initiative across twelve U.S. universities to develop AI OERs.

Teaching for Tomorrow: AI Strategies for K-12, a symposium designed to support NW Kansas K-12 educators using AI for teaching and learning, is scheduled for April 7, 2025. Other projects moving forward include faculty, staff, and students using AI to enhance classroom engagement, streamline staff workflows, and develop professional tools for career advancement. A student team is developing a business plan chatbot that helps students create professional-quality business plans. Another student has made a personalized AI tutor to support learning.

FHSU isn’t navigating this journey alone. Our Generative AI Task Force includes a representative from Nex-Tech, ensuring industry insights inform the university's AI initiatives. This year, we hosted two external presenters from tech industries, Nathan Zimmerman (Element 84) and Joshua Serier (Midwest Energy Inc.).

While the emergence of AI initiatives is exciting, many individuals are understandably uncertain about AI's role and implications for education and the workforce. Concerns surrounding AI technologies' ethical use, safety, and practical applications must be addressed head-on.

We are committed to multi-layered AI education strategies in response to these challenges. This includes training for faculty, AI literacy programs for students, and community workshops aimed at demystifying AI and exploring its potential benefits. By investing in education and outreach, we lay the groundwork for informed conversations about AI's implications.

Dr. Moy emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for students interested in pursuing careers in AI and related fields. Success in AI is about mastering technical skills and understanding the ethical, logical, and philosophical frameworks that inform technology's role in society. FHSU's development of AI certificates in agriculture, business, computer science, education, and nursing reflects this holistic understanding.

As FHSU continues to embrace the transformative power of AI, our ongoing initiatives will play a vital role in redefining the educational landscape. With a strong emphasis on ethical considerations, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the university is well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.

Dr. Moy's leadership and the collective efforts of the Generative AI Task Force embrace our commitment to innovation in higher education; we are not just preparing our students for the future; we are shaping that future, ensuring that technology serves the greater good of society.

I am very inspired and grateful for the work of our community as we navigate the AI revolution. Our initiatives illustrate a proactive and strategic approach to integrating this powerful technology into education. By fostering a culture of AI literacy, innovation, and ethical responsibility, FHSU empowers students to navigate their futures armed with knowledge, skills, and a keen understanding of the implications of their technological choices.