Bridgewater State Launches AI Hub to Guide Ethical Tech Future

BSU has taken a significant step toward integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into academia with the launch of the Center for Artificial Intelligence, a dedicated initiative aimed at promoting ethical use, innovation, and collaboration within the university community. The center is designed to help students, faculty, and staff navigate the evolving landscape of AI while addressing the associated risks and ethical concerns [1].

Steven Zuromski, Bridgewater State University’s Information Technology vice president and chief information officer, emphasized the importance of preparing for the AI wave, noting both its transformative potential and the need for mitigation strategies. The center will serve as a central hub for exploring AI’s implications across various academic and administrative functions [1].

Eric LePage, acting vice president for AI and EdTech Innovation, oversees the center and is tasked with helping the BSU community better understand AI. He highlighted the goal of the center as a space for fostering AI literacy, particularly in professional development. The initiative is also expected to reduce the burden of repetitive tasks by integrating AI solutions that allow more time for creative planning and decision-making [1].

Additionally, the center plans to enhance the student experience through a centralized AI-driven chatbox that will offer real-time support on topics such as financial aid, registration, and IT services. While technology will facilitate initial interactions, the university remains committed to ensuring human involvement in decision-making processes [1].

Student engagement is a key component of the initiative. Sam Oo, a senior studying international relations and political science, founded Bridgewater’s first AI student club and has been actively involved in promoting AI literacy on campus. Oo emphasized the importance of education in demystifying AI, noting that many students view it with fear or uncertainty. He aims to connect faculty, staff, and students to demonstrate how AI can enhance critical and creative thinking [1].

Support for AI integration is also available through Tori Cameron, a Teaching and Technology Advisor and part-time childhood education instructor. She has been engaging with faculty to address concerns and promote AI literacy. Cameron highlighted the practical benefits of AI in education, such as automating routine tasks like email drafting and scheduling, which can significantly reduce the workload for educators [1].

The launch of the Center for AI aligns with broader global trends in higher education, where institutions are increasingly adopting AI to improve administrative efficiency and academic innovation. Bridgewater State University’s initiative reflects a commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancement while ensuring ethical and informed usage [1].

Source: [1] BSU Launches Center for AI (https://www.bridgew.edu/stories/2025/bsu-launches-center-ai)