Building the AI-Powered University: Lessons for the Future

Introduction

"AI isn’t a silver bullet, but it’s the sharpest tool we’ve ever had." This remark from Jaci Jenkins Lindburg during a recent OpenAI Forum panel set the stage for a thought-provoking discussion. Together with Leah Belsky , David Brubaker , and Axel Persaud , the panelists shared their experiences building AI-powered universities—places where innovation meets real-world problem-solving. Their stories went beyond education, offering practical takeaways for any organization navigating the AI revolution. As someone with a background in nonprofits, I couldn’t help but see the parallels between their approaches and the opportunities for community-based organizations to maximize impact.

AI in Action: Practical Applications Driving Change

Purposeful Pilots Lead to Big Wins

Universities like Nebraska and Maryland are approaching AI adoption with precision. Instead of rolling out tools campus-wide, they’re focusing on pilots. For example, the University of Nebraska launched an AI learning lab that lets faculty experiment with projects like advising, course customization, and research workflows. By proving impact in small ways, they’re building momentum for broader adoption. Nonprofits can apply the same principle. Start by piloting AI in specific areas—like automating donor outreach or analyzing program impact—and use those successes to scale.

Making Education Personal

AI is transforming how students learn by tailoring resources to their unique needs. One counseling course used ChatGPT to simulate real-world scenarios, helping students build skills in a safe environment. Students across disciplines are also using AI to summarize readings, create study aids, and even collaborate on creative projects. This dynamic approach is equally powerful for nonprofits. Imagine using AI to create personalized training materials for staff or customized engagement plans for donors and beneficiaries.

Overcoming Challenges: Trust, Policy, and Equity

The Importance of Clear Policies

A standout moment in the discussion was the challenge of navigating AI responsibly. Many students hesitate to use AI tools because they’re unsure of the rules. Universities that implement clear, well-communicated guidelines foster trust and encourage innovation. Similarly, nonprofits should prioritize transparency. Clear policies around data use, privacy, and ethical AI adoption will build confidence among stakeholders.

AI as a Force for Inclusion Panelists also explored AI’s potential to make education more accessible. From generating captions for videos to creating alternative formats for course materials, AI is breaking down barriers for students with disabilities. This lesson is just as relevant for nonprofits. AI can help create more inclusive materials, ensuring programs and communications reach a wider audience.

Building Capacity: Training and Collaboration

Training for Adaptability

One of the most compelling insights came from Axel Persaud, who emphasized training not just for tools but for an AI-driven mindset. “It’s not about teaching people how to use AI; it’s about showing them how to think with AI,” he explained. Nonprofits can adopt this mindset by offering workshops that go beyond technical training. Focus on how AI can enhance creativity, decision-making, and collaboration across teams.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

The panel also highlighted the importance of integrating AI initiatives into existing structures. At Maryland, for example, IT teams partnered with faculty to co-develop tools, ensuring alignment with institutional goals. Nonprofits can take a similar approach by involving fundraising, program delivery, and operations teams in AI projects. Collaborative efforts ensure solutions meet diverse organizational needs.

Practical Steps to Get Started

1. Start Small with Targeted Projects: i) Automate routine tasks like donor thank-you notes or meeting summaries, ii) Test AI tools for analyzing program impact or streamlining volunteer coordination.
2. Invest in Training: i) Host workshops to demystify AI and foster innovation. ii) Focus on showing how AI can complement human creativity and decision-making.
3. Create Clear Policies: Develop guidelines for ethical AI use, prioritizing transparency and trust.
4. Leverage AI for Inclusion: Use AI tools to make materials accessible, such as generating captions or alternative formats.?
5. Collaborate Across Teams: Involve multiple departments to ensure AI initiatives align with organizational goals.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for the AI-Driven Future

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to both Natalie Cone PMP and Caitlin Maltbie for hosting and organizing today's insightful event. Your efforts have brought together diverse voices and ideas, enabling us to explore the transformative potential of AI in education and beyond.

Today's featured universities are showing us that AI isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about possibility. As David Brubaker put it, “The real power of AI isn’t in the answers it gives but in the questions it helps us ask.” For nonprofits and other organizations, the message is clear: start small, think big, and approach AI as a partner in your mission.

The lessons from these universities remind us that the future is about collaboration—between humans and AI, and across teams. So, where will you start? Whether it’s experimenting with a small pilot or building AI literacy within your team, the tools to transform your organization are already within reach. Let’s build that future together.