Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) has launched a new center for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
The PennWest Center for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies is set to open in Spring 2025 and will serve as a hub for preparing students, employees, and community partners for the responsible adoption and innovative use of AI and emerging technologies.
“As a next-generation public university, we are excited to launch the Center as an accessible and impactful resource for our students and the region,” said Dr. James Fisher, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.
PennWest explained that the center will help faculty navigate the impact of AI and emerging technologies on education by providing tools, knowledge, and training to integrate AI effectively into their teaching. Additionally, the school believes the center will “foster an inclusive environment” that will ensure students can become proficient AI users.
The center will also help facilitate dialogue and thought leadership to address the economic, ethical, cultural, educational, political, and legal challenges AI poses. The university intends for the center to work with community partners – such as schools nonprofits, governments, and industry leaders – to help meet the challenges and opportunities of an AI-driven future.
The center will be led by Dr. Camille Dempsey, associate professor of education. The university said Dempsey is a nationally known expert and consultant in AI and education technology. Additionally, she is a Faculty Research Fellow in Artificial Intelligence through the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) and an EDSAFE AI Alliance Catalyst Fellow.
“AI is transforming the way we live and work,” said Dempsey. “PennWest has a strong cluster of AI-related talent, and the center will leverage that talent to benefit our community of educators and community stakeholders.”
