The 2026 UMA Faculty Institute held on May 14th in Augusta, explored what it means to teach with humanity: to lead with empathy, foster inclusion, and design with purpose in an increasingly technology-rich academic landscape.
Afternoon Keynote: Navigating AI with Purpose and Integrity: A Candid Dialog on Emerging Tech in Higher Ed
The spread of AI tools has transformed teaching and learning, whether the technology is used openly or kept in the shadows. How do institutions and educators remold classrooms, center humanity, and teach this technology with purpose and intention? From wary skeptics to enthusiastic adopters, the panelists had a candid conversation on the upsides, downsides and challenges of AI in higher education.
Panelists:
- Elizabeth Goryunova, Chair of the Department of Leadership & Organizational Studies, USM
- Jon Ippolito, co-director of Still Water Lab, and Director of the Digital Curation graduate program, UM
- Ryan Low, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Strategic AI Integration, UMS
- Judith Rosenbaum-Andre, Chair of the Department of Communication and Journalism, UM
Panel hosted by Chad Bouchard, AI & Academic Initiatives Coordinator, UMA