Key Takeaways
- Wake Forest University has launched “AI for Human Flourishing,” a university‑wide initiative to guide the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence across teaching, learning, research, and administration.
- William Fleeson, Hultquist Family Professor of Psychology, has been appointed Associate Provost for AI Initiatives, effective July 1, 2026, to lead the effort.
- The initiative is structured around an AI Task Force that will oversee three cross‑school pilot programs—AI Compass, AI Teaching Studio, and AI Impact Clinic—during the 2026‑27 academic year.
- Five core commitments shape the work: putting AI in the service of humanity, protecting valued aspects of education, strengthening those values with AI, supporting faculty and staff, and preparing students for responsible AI use.
- Ongoing town halls, unit discussions, and campus surveys will solicit feedback to refine Wake Forest’s long‑term AI strategy while keeping human judgment, curiosity, creativity, and relationships at the center of the Wake Forest experience.
Overview of the Initiative
Wake Forest University and the Office of the Provost are launching AI for Human Flourishing, a university‑wide initiative that will guide the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence across teaching, learning, research, and administrative work while remaining grounded in the University’s mission and values. The effort seeks to balance the transformative power of AI with the enduring principles that define a Wake Forest education, ensuring technology serves rather than supplants human flourishing. As Interim Provost Nell Jessup Newton noted, “Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping higher education, and Wake Forest has both an opportunity and a responsibility to approach it thoughtfully.” This statement captures the dual imperative of embracing innovation while safeguarding core educational values.
Leadership Appointment
Serving in this leadership role, William Fleeson, Hultquist Family Professor of Psychology, has been appointed Associate Provost for AI Initiatives, effective July 1, 2026. Fleeson will coordinate the University’s AI for Human Flourishing initiative, lead implementation of campus AI priorities, support faculty and staff leaders across schools and divisions, and work with partners across campus to guide the development of Wake Forest’s long‑term academic strategy for artificial intelligence. His background in psychology and collaborative leadership positions him to bridge technical possibilities with human‑centered outcomes.
Provost’s Endorsement
Interim Provost Nell Jessup Newton expressed confidence in Fleeson’s appointment, stating, “I am grateful that Professor Fleeson has agreed to serve as Associate Provost for AI Initiatives and bring his collaborative leadership and deep understanding of both AI and higher education to this important effort.” Newton’s endorsement highlights the university’s commitment to pairing strategic vision with experienced stewardship as it navigates the complex terrain of AI adoption.
Task Force and Pilot Structure
The initiative brings together faculty, staff, and academic leaders to develop a comprehensive institutional strategy for artificial intelligence while launching several pilot initiatives during the 2026‑27 academic year. An AI Task Force will help shape the University’s long‑term AI strategy while overseeing three cross‑school pilot initiatives that emerged from the University’s strategic framework visioning process, faculty proposals, and campus‑wide feedback. This structure ensures that diverse perspectives inform both immediate experiments and the eventual long‑term roadmap.
AI Compass Pilot
The first pilot, AI Compass, is led by Carlson Professor in University Studies Ana Iltis and explores the ethical, societal, and health implications of AI while strengthening Wake Forest’s capacity for interdisciplinary research and scholarship on questions surrounding artificial intelligence. Iltis explained that the project “will create a hub for scholars to examine how AI influences moral decision‑making, public policy, and well‑being, fostering collaborations that transcend traditional departmental boundaries.” By anchoring AI inquiry in ethics, the pilot aims to anticipate unintended consequences before they become entrenched.
AI Teaching Studio Pilot
The second pilot, AI Teaching Studio, led by William Fleeson, examines both the opportunities and challenges AI presents for teaching and learning, with an emphasis on strengthening critical thinking, curiosity, and the capacity for navigating ambiguity and complexity. Fleeson noted, “Our goal is not simply to adopt new technology. It’s to develop an approach that reflects Wake Forest’s mission—using AI where it enhances teaching, learning, research and our daily work, while ensuring that human judgment, curiosity, creativity and meaningful relationships remain at the center of the Wake Forest experience.” The studio will experiment with AI‑augmented pedagogies, assess their impact on student engagement, and refine practices that preserve the liberal‑arts ethos.
AI Impact Clinic Pilot
The third pilot, AI Impact Clinic, is led by School of Business Professor of the Practice Shannon McKeen and Professors of Computer Science Paul Pauca and Errin Fulp. It connects faculty and students with internal and external partners to develop practical AI solutions through applied learning and real‑world projects. McKeen described the clinic as “a sandbox where theory meets practice, allowing students to tackle genuine problems—from healthcare analytics to sustainable supply chains—while learning to wield AI responsibly.” This experiential component prepares learners to translate classroom knowledge into tangible societal benefits.
Community Engagement and Feedback
Throughout the coming year, faculty, staff, and students will have opportunities to participate in town halls, unit discussions, and other conversations that will help shape Wake Forest’s evolving approach to AI. Recent campus surveys highlighted a strong interest in greater clarity around the role of AI in teaching, learning, and scholarship. By institutionalizing these dialogue channels, the university aims to surface concerns, uncover innovative ideas, and ensure that the AI strategy reflects the collective aspirations of its community.
Guiding Commitments
The initiative is guided by five commitments that anchor every decision and action:
- Putting AI in the service of humanity.
- Protecting what we value most about education and human flourishing.
- Using AI to strengthen, rather than diminish, those values.
- Leveraging AI to support the work of faculty and staff.
- Preparing students to use AI thoughtfully and responsibly where those skills will benefit them.
These principles were articulated in the university’s announcement and serve as a moral compass for evaluating AI applications, ensuring that technological advancement aligns with Wake Forest’s core mission of holistic education.
Future Outlook and Next Steps
The pilot initiatives represent the first phase of a broader, collaborative effort to develop Wake Forest’s long‑term AI strategy. As the work progresses, insights from faculty, staff, and students will help shape how artificial intelligence supports the University’s mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement. Fleeson emphasized that the ultimate aim is to cultivate an environment where AI augments human potential without eclipsing the irreplaceable qualities of curiosity, creativity, and relational learning that define a Wake Forest education. By iterating through pilots, soliciting feedback, and refining its approach, Wake Forest seeks to model a responsible, values‑driven AI‑enhanced higher‑education landscape for the future.