Clemson selected to participate in AAC&U Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum

A dedicated team of Clemson University faculty and staff has been selected to participate in the 2024-25 American Association of Colleges and Universities Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum. This initiative equips institutions with the tools and strategies needed to thoughtfully integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their curricula, ensuring that AI enhances, rather than disrupts, the educational experience.

At the AAC&U Institute, the Clemson AI team and advisory group aims to: 

• Develop guiding principles and best practices for AI integration that align with the University’s strategic goals outlined in Clemson Elevate.

• Enhance AI literacy among faculty and students, making it an integral part of the undergraduate curriculum.

• Foster a culture of ethical and productive AI usage, ensuring graduates can navigate and lead in an AI-driven world.

“I’m confident these leaders will excel in their new roles while upholding Clemson’s values and traditions. This selection highlights the University’s dedication to addressing the challenges and opportunities that AI brings to higher education, aligning with Clemson Elevate to lead in innovative and responsible AI practices. By participating, Clemson remains at the forefront of these developments, preparing students and faculty to navigate and lead in a rapidly evolving academic landscape,” Clemson University Executive Vice President for academic affairs and provost Robert H Jones.

The collaboration comprises the following members, each representing key areas across the University.

Leadership

• Taimi Olsen, executive director of the Office of Teaching Effectiveness and Innovation (OTEI) and affiliate faculty member in the Department of English
• Claire Dancz, associate director of OTEI and adjunct faculty member in the Department of Engineering and Science Education
• Elias Tzoc, associate dean for teaching learning and research for Clemson Libraries

Faculty 

• F. Alex Feltus, professor in the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry
• Anne Grant, instruction coordinator and research librarian for Clemson Libraries
• Kevin Andrew Flynn, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Marketing
• Janice Lanham, principal lecturer in the School of Nursing
• Chelsea Murdock, senior lecturer in the Department of English and director of Clemson’s Writing Lab
• April Pelt, director of Online Education and instructor for College of Education

Advisory Group

• Kirk Bingenheimer, lecturer for the Nieri Department of Construction Development and Planning
• Neil Burton, executive director of the Center for Career and Professional Development
• Chris Cox, dean of Clemson Libraries
• Brian Dominy, professor in the Department of Chemistry and associate dean of undergraduate engagement and curriculum development in the Division of Undergraduate Learning
• Maggie Erickson, assistant director of the Center for Career and Professional Development
• Bhupinder S. Farmaha, associate professor in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Extension nutrient management specialist
• William G. Ferrell, Fluor International Supply Chain Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering and associate dean of the graduate school
• Edyta Kuzian, senior lecturer in the Department of Philosophy and Religion and
• Nathan Long, associate vice president of IT customer services for Clemson Computing and Information Technology
• Joey Manson, principal lecturer within the Department of Art
• Nathan McNeese, McQueen Quattlebaum Endowed Associate Professor of Human-Centered Computing and founding director of the Clemson University Center for Human-AI Interaction, Collaboration and Teaming
• William C. McCoy, visiting faculty of educational leadership in the College of Education and director of the Rutland Institute for Ethics
• René Schmauder, lecturer in the Department of Psychology and director of undergraduate assessment in the Division of Undergraduate Learning
• Jim Strickland, professor in the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
• Theodora Wills, chief privacy officer of Office of University Compliance and Ethics
• Daniel E. Wueste, Kathryn and Calhoun Lemon Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy and Religion

The AAC&U Institute kicked off with a two-day program last month, during which the Clemson team participated in activities aimed at understanding the current landscape of AI in higher education and developing an AI action plan. The Institute will culminate with a capstone event in April 2025.

“Our team’s composition reflects stakeholders in a centrally supported but distributed university-wide effort. We are committed to using this experience to build positive and meaningful connections across departments, schools and units as we collaborate around new opportunities for innovation and change,” Otei Executive Director Taimi Olsen

Earlier this year, more than 180 students, faculty, staff and industry partners participated in Clemson Teaching Excellence Conference: ‘Teaching in the Age of AI’ that addressed practices to help students effectively and ethically use AI in their learning journeys.