LEXINGTON, KY. — The Gatton College of Business and Economics takes a proactive, people-centered approach to artificial intelligence, integrating AI into teaching, research and operations to prepare students, faculty and staff for a rapidly changing business landscape.
Rather than treating AI as a niche topic or future concern, Gatton embraced it as a current tool for amplifying human talent. “It’s our people that make Gatton great,” said Taylor Begley, chair of Gatton’s AI committee. “AI should amplify human capabilities, not replace them. Our goal is to give our community the tools, training and ethical safeguards they need to innovate responsibly and move Kentucky forward.”
This philosophy aligns with the University of Kentucky’s broader UK ADVANCE initiative, while allowing Gatton to tailor AI adoption to the realities of business education. The result is a coordinated, college-wide strategy that emphasizes practical application, ethical use and workforce preparation.
A framework for responsible innovation
At the center of Gatton’s AI efforts is the Gatton AI Committee, which serves as a bridge between vision and execution. The committee focuses on three priorities: training and support, clear policy guidance, and shared infrastructure that allows innovation to scale. Committee members include Taylor Begley (chair), Chris Bundy, Matt Cosgrove, Shane Hadden and Gail Hoyt.
One result of this work is the AI@Gatton Resource Hub, a centralized platform that provides access to vetted tools, curated training resources, consultations and clear policy guidance based on university, state and federal regulations. The center also houses a growing library of real-world use cases, allowing individual faculty and staff experiences to become shared learning within the college.
“Faculty and staff are closest to real problems and best positioned to innovate,” Begley said. “Our role is to lower barriers, reduce uncertainty and help transform isolated successes into collective momentum. »
Preparing students for an AI-driven economy
Exposure to AI at Gatton is intentionally integrated into the student experience rather than limited to a single course. In the MBA program, students can access generative AI learning paths tailored to business disciplines such as marketing, finance, human resources and product management. Across all programs, faculty are integrating AI into their research, analysis, simulation, and applied problem-solving courses.
Some classes also test tools such as Yoodli.aiallowing them to practice presentations or job interviews with AI-driven avatars that provide real-time feedback on pace, clarity, tone and verbal habits. The tool offers personalized, low-stakes coaching that would be difficult to provide at scale through traditional means.
“These tools allow students to build confidence and skills through repetition,” Begley said. “Equally important, they learn to work with AI as a development partner, which they will do throughout their careers.” »
Responsible use is integrated into all touchpoints. Professors model ethical use of AI in the classroom, curricula include clear guidance, and students learn that responsibility for outcomes always lies with the human user.
“We want our students to be ready for the world they are entering,” said Dean Simon Sheather. “That means understanding AI, using it responsibly, and knowing how to think critically about what it produces. This is an exciting time for Gatton, and I’m proud of how our faculty and staff are leading the way.”
Supporting faculty and staff
Recognizing that AI adoption can seem overwhelming, Gatton has invested heavily in faculty and staff support. The AI Committee offers in-person workshops, one-on-one consultations, curated training materials, and guidance on accessing approved tools. A policy chatbot allows users to directly query compliance and governance documents, and receive clear answers with citations.
The goal, Begley said, is to create a culture where innovation is encouraged and not risked, because expectations and boundaries are clear.
Shaping the next generation of AI-savvy leaders
Gatton’s approach emphasizes adaptability rather than mastery of a single tool. “The successful graduates are not going to be the ones who have memorized a curriculum,” Begley said. “They will be the ones who remain curious, adaptable and thoughtful about how technology creates value. »
Industry input plays a key role in shaping this work. Gatton leaders regularly engage with employers, alumni and advisory boards to understand how AI is reshaping organizations and what skills graduates need to bring immediately.
Looking ahead, Gatton plans to expand AI programming for students, including a lecture series focused on AI fundamentals and real-world business applications. The long-term vision is for Gatton to be recognized as a model for how business schools can evolve quickly and responsibly, producing competent AI leaders, fostering faculty innovation, and serving as a resource for Kentucky.
“In a few years,” Begley said, “I want people to say that Gatton demonstrated how to integrate AI in a way that amplifies human talent and creates real value for our students, our organizations and our state.”
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