Kogod School of Business at American University Unveils New Institute for Applied AI Education

Kogod School of Business Launches Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence

American University's Kogod School of Business has officially established the Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence (IAAI), a significant step toward becoming a leader in AI education, research, and application. This new initiative aims to enhance the learning experience for students while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across various academic fields.

The launch of IAAI signifies a critical moment in American University's journey, establishing a footprint in the rapidly evolving domain of artificial intelligence. The university president, Jonathan Alger, expressed that this institute not only prepares students for a future in the changing job market but also solidifies AU’s reputation in global AI education.

The interdisciplinary nature of the Institute brings in faculty from different schools within American University, promoting innovative teaching practices designed to integrate AI tools into the undergraduate and graduate curricula effectively. By creating strategic partnerships with industry leaders, the institute will provide students and faculty with practical learning experiences, alongside groundbreaking research opportunities.

According to Vicky Wilkins, the Acting Provost and Chief Academic Officer, the establishment of the IAAI is a major advancement for the Kogod School of Business, propelling both research and student outcomes in the field of AI. This initiative is not only transformative but also ethical, ensuring that students are well-versed in the responsible applications of AI technologies.

The institute will be led by Kogod Professor Gwanhoo Lee, an expert in AI innovation and transformation. Lee is collaborating with fellow professors from various disciplines—Angela Virtu from Kogod and Bei Xiao from the Department of Computer Science—to curate a robust team of nearly two dozen faculty members. This diverse team includes experts from law, literature, political science, and sustainability, all contributing to the institute's mission as AI Fellows.

The collaborative spirit of the institute underscores AU's commitment to harnessing the strengths of its faculty across various schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Public Affairs. Professor Lee emphasized that through this interdisciplinary collaboration, they will drive impactful research and enhance the educational experiences of their students.

Since 2023, Kogod has already made commendable strides in AI education, configuring AI principles into both graduate and undergraduate programs. This comprehensive approach gained recognition from PoetsQuants, which labeled it the most significant AI transformation in business education to date. Moreover, Kogod has introduced over 40 AI-focused courses and established a partnership with Perplexity AI, which grants students, faculty, and staff access to advanced AI tools.

The School has also made notable investments by hiring six additional faculty specializing in AI and machine learning, marking the biggest faculty initiative in decades. These changes reflect a responsive strategy to the evolving demands in the AI landscape. Kogod is additionally augmenting its Master’s program in Analytics, introducing new options such as an MS in Business Analytics and AI along with a fresh undergraduate major and graduate certificate in the same field.

Kogod's innovative program has captured media attention from prestigious outlets like the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education’s PoetsQuants, affirming their position at the forefront of AI integration in business education.

In conclusion, the launch of the Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence at Kogod School of Business marks a transformative era not only for the university but also for its students, who will benefit immensely from this cutting-edge approach to business education, ultimately shaping tomorrow's business leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of an AI-driven world.