Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) President Tracy Brundage recently spoke at the “AI-Powered, People-Focused” Engage Summit in Charlotte, N.C., highlighting the transformative role of AI in higher education. The event gathered leaders from various sectors of academia to explore AI’s potential to enhance student engagement and improve institutional practices. Brundage emphasized that while AI will not replace human capital, it offers opportunities for personalized communication throughout the student lifecycle, aligning with ABAC’s strategic goals.
The summit, organized by Element451, concluded with Brundage and company leaders discussing the future of AI in education. They underscored the importance of adapting teaching methods to meet the changing demands of students who have used AI throughout high school. Brundage stressed the need for institutions to integrate AI thoughtfully, ensuring faculty and staff are included in the transition through training and transparency.
At ABAC, faculty members like Tatyana Pashnyak are already incorporating AI into coursework, using it to create personalized case studies and study materials, enhancing both teaching efficiency and content mastery. Topics at the conference included AI’s role in institutional resilience, crisis communication, and operational improvements, with a focus on enhancing student engagement through personalized messaging.
Brundage concluded that AI’s potential lies in its ability to foster meaningful connections with students, aligning with ABAC’s mission to prioritize empathy and curiosity in education.
