How Kogod School of Business is Leading the AI Education Charge

About the Episode: 

Dustin is joined by David Marchick, Dean of American University's Kogod School of Business, and Angela Virtu, Professorial Lecturer, to discuss how AI is reshaping business education. They share insights into Kogod’s AI curriculum, which aims to equip all students, regardless of their major, with AI literacy. They talk about the importance of adapting to AI’s growing presence and the practical steps Kogod is taking to ensure students remain competitive in an evolving job market.

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Key Takeaways:

• AI literacy is essential for all students: Regardless of major, every student at American University’s Kogod School of Business is being trained in AI applications relevant to their field.
• AI enhances human potential: From negotiations to marketing, AI tools are being used to amplify students’ skills, not replace them.
• Cross-collaboration is key to AI integration: Faculty across departments are engaging in hands-on training to incorporate AI into their coursework, ensuring students are job-ready.
• AI as a competitive advantage: Students who understand and can leverage AI will have a competitive edge in the job market, as AI is becoming a fundamental skill akin to Excel or writing.
• Experimentation leads to growth: Kogod encourages faculty to experiment with AI tools in the classroom, emphasizing that failure is part of the learning process.

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Episode Summary

Building AI Competence Across the Business School

American University’s Kogod School of Business has taken a proactive approach to incorporating AI throughout its curriculum. David Marchick, Dean of the business school, and Angela Virtu, an AI Instructional Faculty Fellow, share how the idea began with industry insights and quickly evolved into an institutional priority. With the rise of AI, students need more than just technical skills—they need to understand how AI applies across various business functions.

The AI initiative was sparked by several events, including a conversation with a Google executive who likened the impact of AI to that of electricity and fire. This realization prompted the Kogod leadership to fast-track AI integration into the core curriculum. By incorporating AI modules into undergraduate and graduate programs, students now engage with AI in everything from marketing campaigns to financial analysis, positioning them for success in the rapidly evolving job market.

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AI in Action: Hands-On Learning for Real-World Application

A key focus of the conversation is how AI can help students in every discipline. Angela explains how Kogod offers two types of AI courses—AI Sage for tech-focused students and AI Artisan for students pursuing more general business degrees. The goal is to ensure all students, whether in finance, marketing, or human resources, have the AI literacy needed to stay competitive.

David and Angela share practical examples of AI in action. In finance, students are now learning how to use AI to underwrite investments, a task that used to take weeks but now can be done in minutes. In marketing, AI tools like ChatGPT are helping students create smarter, faster campaigns and market research. Even in negotiation courses, students are using AI to simulate conversations with tough bosses, helping them build better communication and persuasion skills.

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AI as a Competitive Edge in a Changing Workforce

As AI becomes more prevalent in every industry, it’s critical for students to have a working knowledge of the technology. Angela highlights that Kogod is preparing students not only to use AI tools but to do so responsibly. Students need to understand the ethical and legal considerations behind AI, such as privacy concerns and intellectual property issues, ensuring they can navigate the complexities of AI in the workplace.

David emphasizes the importance of experimentation, urging both faculty and students to try out AI tools in their learning and teaching. He encourages other educational institutions to avoid punitive measures for AI use and instead see it as an opportunity to enhance student learning outcomes. The takeaway? Institutions that embrace AI will help their students stand out in a crowded job market.

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About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

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