The University of Hartford is creating a Hub for Human Innovation and Responsible AI with a seed investment of $100,000 from alumnus and UHart regent Kevin Grant ’82, M’86. The campus-wide initiative is intended to further student success, encourage faculty innovation, and increase regional impact through collaborative work in human-centered AI.
The Hub will weave together programming, professional development, and partnerships to support students and professionals in appropriate and responsible applications of AI while also enabling innovation throughout Connecticut. At the outset, the Hub will provide coordinated, centralized leadership and serve as a structure that ties together academic programs, faculty expertise, student learning, institutional governance, and partnerships, rather than a physical space.
“AI is already changing the ways we teach, learn, conduct research, and prepare students for their futures,” says Provost Nancy LaGreca. “But the question for us is not simply how to use technology; it’s also what we need to consider as we engage: are we advancing knowledge while preserving human judgment, agency, and creative thinking? Are we protecting intellectual property and personal information? And do the outcomes justify risk to the environment? Our goal is not just to find applications for emerging technologies, but to support the UHart community in using them ethically and effectively to enhance learning and achievement, should they choose to do so.”
The first step toward the Hub’s implementation is to hire a director who will work collaboratively with constituents to develop guidelines for the responsible use of AI. The Hub will provide opportunities for faculty development and innovation in teaching, research, and scholarship, and will offer support and guidance to faculty seeking to integrate AI literacy and applied learning into the curriculum.
“The strength of the Hub will come from collaboration across disciplines,” explains Hisham Alnajjar, dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture. “AI isn't contained within engineering or computer science. There are important applications in business, healthcare, education, the arts, communications, and most fields in which our students will be employed. That depth will enable students to solve authentic problems, collaborate with industry partners, and better understand the promise and perils of AI.”
Student programming from the Hub will focus on AI fluency, experiential learning, innovation, and career readiness. Faculty and staff offerings will include professional development, shared resources, and support for integrating AI into teaching, research, student services, and university operations.
Opportunities for collaboration include workforce development, professional certificates, industry-sponsored projects, applied consulting, continuing education, and partnerships with employers and innovation organizations throughout Connecticut.
The initial $100,000 seed money will enable leadership, planning, pilot programs, and external engagement while advancing the Academic Distinction and Innovation pillar of the University’s Excellence Reimagined strategic plan. These initiatives combined will support a durable, interdisciplinary approach to AI on campus, as UHart continues to prepare students for the workforce and develop partnerships throughout Connecticut.
The Hub will weave together programming, professional development, and partnerships to support students and professionals in appropriate and responsible applications of AI while also enabling innovation throughout Connecticut. At the outset, the Hub will provide coordinated, centralized leadership and serve as a structure that ties together academic programs, faculty expertise, student learning, institutional governance, and partnerships, rather than a physical space.
“AI is already changing the ways we teach, learn, conduct research, and prepare students for their futures,” says Provost Nancy LaGreca. “But the question for us is not simply how to use technology; it’s also what we need to consider as we engage: are we advancing knowledge while preserving human judgment, agency, and creative thinking? Are we protecting intellectual property and personal information? And do the outcomes justify risk to the environment? Our goal is not just to find applications for emerging technologies, but to support the UHart community in using them ethically and effectively to enhance learning and achievement, should they choose to do so.”
The first step toward the Hub’s implementation is to hire a director who will work collaboratively with constituents to develop guidelines for the responsible use of AI. The Hub will provide opportunities for faculty development and innovation in teaching, research, and scholarship, and will offer support and guidance to faculty seeking to integrate AI literacy and applied learning into the curriculum.
“The strength of the Hub will come from collaboration across disciplines,” explains Hisham Alnajjar, dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture. “AI isn't contained within engineering or computer science. There are important applications in business, healthcare, education, the arts, communications, and most fields in which our students will be employed. That depth will enable students to solve authentic problems, collaborate with industry partners, and better understand the promise and perils of AI.”
Student programming from the Hub will focus on AI fluency, experiential learning, innovation, and career readiness. Faculty and staff offerings will include professional development, shared resources, and support for integrating AI into teaching, research, student services, and university operations.
Opportunities for collaboration include workforce development, professional certificates, industry-sponsored projects, applied consulting, continuing education, and partnerships with employers and innovation organizations throughout Connecticut.
The initial $100,000 seed money will enable leadership, planning, pilot programs, and external engagement while advancing the Academic Distinction and Innovation pillar of the University’s Excellence Reimagined strategic plan. These initiatives combined will support a durable, interdisciplinary approach to AI on campus, as UHart continues to prepare students for the workforce and develop partnerships throughout Connecticut.