Texas A&M University has joined OpenAI’s NexGenAI consortium, a groundbreaking $50 million collaboration launched by 15 leading institutions in artificial intelligence (AI) research and education. As the only Texas-based university in the program, Texas A&M’s selection underscores its growing leadership in AI.
Generative AI Literacy Initiative
NexGenAI is designed to provide universities and research institutions with cutting-edge AI tools and resources to push the boundaries of knowledge and equip the next generation of AI leaders. Through this initiative, the Texas A&M Institute of Data Science (TAMIDS), in association with the Texas A&M University College of Engineering, will spearhead the Generative AI Literacy Initiative, which aims to expand AI fluency among students, researchers, and industry professionals.
“We look forward to collaborating with OpenAI, whose support will enable us to empower our students, researchers, and the broader academic community with cutting-edge knowledge and skills in the rapidly evolving field of generative artificial intelligence.” —Dr. Robert H. Bishop, Vice Chancellor and Dean of the College of Engineering, Texas A&M University
Under the leadership of Dr. Nick Duffield, Director of TAMIDS, and Dr. Krishna Narayanan, Associate Director for Education Initiatives, the Generative AI Literacy Initiative will be formed with Dr. Sabit Ekin, Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology & Industrial Distribution, as director of the initiative in TAMIDS.
Knowledge Driving the GenAI Transformation
Generative AI is transforming many fields. To enable this transformation, it is critical for people in those fields to understand not only the tools and methods for using Generative AI, but also the technology’s broader promise and limitations. Texas A&M faculty increasingly seek to use Generative AI and empower students to use these tools to enhance their learning, creativity, and potential in the classroom and beyond.
“Our goal is not limited to teaching people to use AI tools but is also to advance how AI is used in education and training”—Dr. Nick Duffield, Director of the Texas A&M Institute of Data Science.
The Generative AI Literacy Initiative will support and collaborate with faculty to develop innovative education and training in the methods of Generative AI, promote a more expansive understanding of their potential, and explore how Generative AI can be used more broadly for instruction.
“AI literacy isn’t learned overnight—it requires time, resources, and dedication. TAMIDS is committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to build this critical skill.” —Dr. Krishna Narayanan, Associate Director for Education Initiatives at the Texas A&M Institute of Data Science.
In alignment with its campus-wide mission, TAMIDS will seek to reinforce the efforts of stakeholders throughout Texas A&M who are working to increase Generative AI literacy.
“A huge thank you to OpenAI for their support in empowering our students, researchers, and broader academic community with cutting-edge AI knowledge.” —Dr. Sabit Ekin, Director for the TAMIDS Generative AI Literacy Initiative
TAMIDS is looking forward to engaging with OpenAI and other members of the NextGenAI consortium, and involving its broader community of industry partners to inform wider opportunities for Generative AI and formulate needs for skills development for their employees.
Click here to see other ways Texas A&M is Shaping the Future of AI Education
The TAMIDS Generative AI Literacy Initiative will build significant steps that Texas A&M has already taken toward AI education and awareness. The Center for Teaching Excellence hosts the Innovative Teaching Fellows Program aimed at helping faculty integrate AI tools in their classroom and curriculum. The University Libraries supports the campus community through AI-focused workshops and research and course development expertise. The College of Engineering recently launched CLEN 289 – Essentials of AI: Developing AI Literacy, a short course on generative AI.
The Texas A&M Institute of Data Science provides an array of programs that support AI literacy and research and will act to enhance the new initiative:
- The PhD Student Ambassador Program invites Texas A&M PhD students from across the university to serve as representatives for TAMIDS and champions for AI, machine learning, and data science literacy in their departments.
- The Bring-Your-Own-Data (BYOD) Online Consultancy program helps researchers formulate approaches to their research projects and assists with code development, enabling them to use the latest data analytics methods and high-performance computing facilities.
- The Course Development Grant Program funds faculty to develop or enhance courses that promote AI, machine learning, and data science literacy at Texas A&M.
- The Visiting Researcher Program solicits nominations by prospective Texas A&M hosts for external researchers to engage with activities in TAMIDS and the broader Texas A&M data science community.
- The Workshop Development Grants support faculty and staff with events that build community, stimulate collaboration, and foster interdisciplinary growth among Texas A&M researchers in AI, machine learning, and data science.