University of Nebraska launches AI-focused task force, seeks community input
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska system. Sept. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
LINCOLN — The University of Nebraska system has launched a systemwide artificial intelligence task force and seeks input to enhance and understand AI use.
NU President Jeffrey Gold announced the AI task force Wednesday, stating that harnessing the power and potential of AI is an important step on what he has coined "our journey to extraordinary."
"We are living in an exciting time in which recent advancements in artificial intelligence have created unique opportunities for innovation across nearly every sector," Gold said in an NU-wide email. "As AI rapidly transforms our world, it is crucial that the University of Nebraska positions itself as a leader in this new era."
The announcement includes the formation of a 15-member task force, with members from each of NU's main campuses in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney. Gold said the task force's goal is to understand opportunities for campuses to collaborate and identify shared strengths.
The task force will also include three members from NU's central office: David Jackson, interim executive vice president and provost, will chair the group; Laura Gonnerman, associate general counsel, will be the "observer"; and Bret Blackman, vice president for information technology and chief information officer, will also be part of the task force.
The campus-specific members are as follows.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln:
Mohammad Rashedul Hasan, assistant professor of big data and artificial intelligence.
Scout Calvert, chair of research partnerships in University Libraries.
Sydney Brown, assistant director of the Center for Transformative Teaching.
Santosh Pitla, professor in Biological Systems Engineering.
University of Nebraska at Omaha:
Cassie Mallette, program manager for UNO's AI Learning Lab and senior instructional designer.
Robin Gandhi, associate dean for research in the College of Information Science and Technology.
University of Nebraska at Kearney:
Megan Adkins, associate dean for engagement and retention.
David Arredondo, collection services librarian.
Timothy Bartling, director of academic technology.
University of Nebraska Medical Center:
Emily Glenn, dean of the Leon S. McGoogan Health Sciences Library.
Dr. Howard Fox, professor in the Department of Neurological Sciences.
Dr. Chad Vokoun, division chief for hospital medicine in the Department of Internal Medicine.
Gold is also inviting a systemwide " AI inventory survey ," which was designed by the AI task force members to further enhance their understanding of how AI is already or could be further integrated across research, education and engagement efforts within NU.
"This survey will help us assess the breadth and depth of current AI-related efforts, identify challenges and explore future opportunities, ensuring that the University remains at the forefront of AI research, education, and community engagement," Gold wrote.
The NU Board of Regents in August approved a bachelor's degree in AI at UNO beginning in January, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Nebraska.
