Our Vision
Penn State stands at a pivotal moment in its history—and in the history of higher education. As one of the world’s leading land-grant research universities, we were built to serve the Commonwealth in times of transformation. This is one of those moments.
In the age of artificial intelligence, Penn State will define what it means to be a world-class land-grant institution—advancing human-centered innovation, ethical leadership, and lifelong learning.
The appointment of the Vice Provost for AI and the establishment of the Office of the Vice Provost for AI reflect Penn State’s commitment to coordinating this work and shaping the University’s AI future.
Through integrated excellence in research, education, and real-world impact, and by forging strategic partnerships across industry and society, Penn State will reimagine higher education and ensure that Pennsylvania leads the nation into the AI-powered future of work.
Our Goals
Transform Teaching, Learning & Assessment
Reimagine pedagogy for the AI era by redesigning teaching, assessment, and academic integrity frameworks, supported by the AI Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning.
Experiential & Innovation-Driven Education
Empower students through hands-on, AI-enabled learning—including research, industry partnerships, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem solving—accessible across Penn State’s statewide ecosystem.
Ethical & Human-Centered AI Leadership
Graduate students grounded in ethical reasoning and societal understanding, and position Penn State as a national model for responsible, human-centered AI governance.
AI-Driven Research & Convergence
Lead nationally in AI-augmented research, accelerating discovery across disciplines and advancing convergence science.
Infrastructure, Ecosystem & Workforce Impact
Build a modern AI ecosystem—tools, secure infrastructure, data governance, and strategic partnerships—leveraging Penn State’s statewide footprint to power Pennsylvania’s AI-ready workforce and economy.
AI at Scale
1100+
Faculty and staff in an AI community of practice.
60+
AI research projects showcased at AI Week 2025.
4
Major AI research centers
New
AI Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning
Thousands
In prize money for AI Challenge winners
AI Leadership at Penn State
The Office of the Vice Provost for Artificial Intelligence
Providing the strategic leadership needed to coordinate University-wide AI initiatives. Our office connects and accelerates the distributed expertise that already exists at Penn State.
AI Center of Excellence
The AI Center of Excellence connects students, faculty, staff, colleges, and support units with AI literacy training, micro-credentials, curricular innovation, and collaborative resources designed to support responsible and impactful AI adoption. Learn how Penn State is preparing its community for the future of AI.
About the AI Center of Excellence
Committees & Councils
Councils and faculty committees are focusing on implementation planning for undergraduate and graduate student AI literacy, staff upskilling, and AI for faculty and administrators.