Clemson University Interim President Robert H. Jones and Provost J. Cole Smith have announced the establishment of the Clemson University AI Initiative, a cross-disciplinary effort to bring together faculty, staff and students to create Clemson’s human-centered approach to artificial intelligence.
Led by Mitch Shue, provost fellow for artificial intelligence and Nathan McNeese, associate vice president for technology and innovation, the initiative will bring together the University community and industry partners to ensure the responsible use of AI at Clemson enhances human creativity, drives research innovation and expands opportunities to harness the transformative potential of the technology.
“Artificial intelligence is rapidly shaping how we live, work and learn,” said Shue, a professor of practice in the School of Computing who also serves as Executive Director of the AI Research Institute for Science and Engineering (AIRISE). “At Clemson, we see an opportunity not only to explore new technologies but to ensure their responsible use, rooted in human creativity, ethics and collaboration.”
The Clemson University AI Initiative will serve as a nexus for learning, teaching, research, workforce development and public engagement. By uniting academic and operational expertise, the initiative will accelerate applied research and strengthen Clemson’s statewide and national impact.
“AI is not merely a computational endeavor; it is a human one that demands thoughtful design and stewardship in how we approach it,” said McNeese, the McQueen Quattlebaum Endowed Professor of Human-Centered Computing who is also the Founding Director of the Clemson University Center for Human-AI Interaction, Collaboration, & Teaming. “This initiative is focused on benefiting people and connecting people and ideas across disciplines so the technologies we create and utilize are both technologically advanced and socially responsible.”
As capabilities evolve, the Clemson University AI Initiative will empower members of the Clemson community to use AI responsibly in a manner amplifying human ingenuity and supporting Clemson’s mission through academic excellence.
“Artificial intelligence touches every area of the University, and its rapid growth demands we approach it with intentionality,” said Provost J. Cole Smith. “Through the AI Initiative, we’re focused on empowering discovery and innovation while ensuring that Clemson leads with our people who make our University so special.”
Initially the initiative will focus on developing an overarching AI strategy for Clemson University to support the pillars of Clemson Elevate while also establishing University-wide guidelines for AI use.
More announcements and updates about the Clemson University AI Initiative will be shared in the coming months including access to tools, guidelines and other opportunities for the Clemson community to be part of the development of Clemson’s approach to AI.
