USI awarded $150,000 Lilly Endowment grant to explore AI’s role in higher education
The University of Southern Indiana has received a $150,000 planning grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education initiative to help the University further explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance student learning and prepare graduates for the evolving workforce.
The funding will support a comprehensive assessment of how generative AI is currently used across USI’s curricula and operations, as well as identify opportunities to expand AI-related learning experiences for students.
As AI continues to reshape industries and workplaces, the grant will help USI evaluate how students can best develop the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing environment. The planning effort will focus on strengthening curricula, improving teaching approaches and increasing AI fluency among faculty, staff and students.
“Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, learn and solve problems,” said Dr. Shelly Blunt, USI Provost. “This planning grant will enable the University to intentionally look at how we integrate AI into our academic programs and learning environments, preparing graduates not just to succeed, but to lead responsibly and ethically in an AI‑driven workforce.”
As part of the project, the University will conduct an internal review of AI-related topics across academic programs and of how AI tools are currently used in teaching and learning. Additionally, the University will undertake an external assessment of workforce needs, including the gathering of information from employers and industry partners across southwestern Indiana to better understand the AI-related skills and competencies most in demand.
Faculty and staff will participate in professional development opportunities focused on emerging AI technologies and their applications across disciplines. The University will also encourage interdisciplinary collaboration to explore innovative approaches to teaching, research and problem-solving using AI.
Additionally, USI will examine potential opportunities for new learning experiences, including new courses and academic credential offerings related to AI that could be offered in the future.
Insights gained during the planning phase will help inform future initiatives aimed at expanding AI-related education and strengthening the University’s role in preparing graduates to contribute to Indiana’s workforce and economy.
The grant period will run through 2026, with the planning work helping guide potential next steps for broader AI initiatives at USI.