SDSU Launches Center for AI Innovation to Enhance Literacy and Ethics

Mar 29, 2026, 2:48 AM

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South Dakota State University (SDSU) is taking a significant step towards preparing its students for an increasingly artificial intelligence (AI)-driven world with the establishment of the Center for AI Innovation and Emergent Technologies. This new center aims to advance AI literacy, ethical innovation, and competency across a wide range of educational disciplines, ensuring graduates are equipped to lead in various industries influenced by AI technology.

SDSU President Barry Dunn emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that graduates must not only be able to use AI tools but also understand the ethical implications of their use. "AI is rapidly transforming our world," Dunn remarked, highlighting the urgency for South Dakotans to become active participants in the AI revolution rather than mere observers.

The center will integrate generative AI literacy into the university's curriculum, preparing students to harness AI's capabilities while being mindful of its impact on society. Generative AI's proficiency in tasks such as coding and producing written content necessitates high-level critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, which will be cultivated through the center's initiatives.

Funding for the center, amounting to $750,000, was secured by US Senator Mike Rounds as part of the 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies bill. Rounds noted that the establishment of this center comes at a crucial time for AI development in the US, stating, "SDSU leaders understand that AI is critical for the future." He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the university to shape AI's role in South Dakota.

The center will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research groups focused on tackling pressing challenges in agriculture, climate resilience, rural health, and community development. By blending AI literacy with the university's broader educational mission, SDSU aims to produce graduates who are not only proficient in AI but also equipped with the ethical frameworks necessary to navigate the complexities of AI's societal impacts.

Victor Taylor, vice provost for graduate education and extended studies, will co-lead the center alongside Rajesh Kavasseri, associate dean for research. Taylor emphasized that the center's mission will reinforce South Dakota's reputation as a place of technological growth and innovation. Kavasseri added that the center aims to create a new "operating system for discovery," utilizing AI as a force multiplier to enhance research productivity and societal impact.

The integration of humanities into the AI curriculum is also a priority, as it provides essential ethical reasoning and cultural awareness that are crucial for responsible AI use. Taylor highlighted the necessity of incorporating humanistic skills alongside technical proficiency, stating that the humanities play a vital role in ensuring AI serves human flourishing.

As SDSU moves forward with its plans, the Center for AI Innovation and Emergent Technologies is poised to become a pivotal institution in the state, preparing students to meet the challenges of an AI-driven future while fostering a culture of ethical innovation.

For more information about the Center for AI Innovation and Emergent Technologies, interested individuals can visit the university's official webpage dedicated to the center.

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