MSUM aims to be 'strategic leader' with launch of artificial intelligence institute

MOORHEAD — Minnesota State University Moorhead wants a major community stake in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.

The university gave a sneak preview on Monday, April 14, to its launch this fall of the Institute of Applied Artificial Intelligence, which will prepare future graduates to navigate and leverage the tool in their professions.

Jason Trainer, MSUM vice president of enrollment management and strategic initiatives, made the announcement ahead of an AI workshop for faculty.

“It’s our intention, and we're investing quite a bit of resources behind this, to be that strategic leader in the F-M area for AI,” Trainer told The Forum afterward.

David Samson / The Forum

Prior to the announcement, the university hosted AI expert and author José Antonio Bowen for a keynote address, “Educating Humans to Thrive in an AI World” at the Center for the Arts. Bowen also led faculty through the workshop at Christianson Alumni Center.

This spring, people on campus have been reading and discussing one of Bowen’s books, “Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning.”

Trainer said MSUM expects to begin advertising this week for an executive director to lead the Institute of Applied AI, with the intention of having them on board by this summer.

David Samson / The Forum

The person will be hired through the MSUM Foundation and report back to MSUM Provost Arrick Jackson.

A private donor’s gift to the university will pay for the launch of the institute and hiring of the executive director.

“It’s a pretty sizable gift,” Trainer said.

Artificial intelligence is the ability of computer systems to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, using algorithms, data and computational power.

MSUM’s role will not be the creation of AI but the application of it across professional sectors, including business, education, health care, human services, the arts and the sciences, Trainer said.

David Samson / The Forum

The university has selected five AI faculty fellows to help lay the groundwork for the institute:

Andrew Chen, computer science and information systems; Atif Osmani, Paseka School of Business/Professional Management; Joshua Johnson, psychology; Julia Poplin, School of Teaching and Learning; and Kazimir Gazdzik, history, languages and humanities.

MSUM will make a formal announcement for its Institute of Applied Artificial Intelligence in September during a State of the University address.

David Samson / The Forum

At that time, it will also release more information on other initiatives, including the establishment of an Honors College, a scholarship program for high-achieving students.

Huebner is a 35+ year veteran of broadcast and print journalism in Fargo-Moorhead.