BGSU hosts region’s largest AI-focused event, driving innovation in education

The University welcomed nearly 1,500 participants to campus as host of the inaugural Great Lakes AI Week

By Branden Ferguson

As a leader in innovation, Bowling Green State University recently hosted the inaugural Great Lakes AI Week, bringing together students, educators and industry leaders to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the workforce.

The event, held Nov. 5 and 6 on the BGSU campus and organized by the Enterprise Technology Association, welcomed nearly 1,500 attendees, including over 300 BGSU students, for two days of hands-on learning, discussion and discovery, becoming one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the Midwest.

Participants heard from Fortune 1000 AI experts, joined interactive workshops to build AI-driven solutions and attended panels highlighting real-world lessons learned from AI successes and failures.

“We are honored that Bowling Green State University was able to serve as the host of the first-ever Great Lakes AI Week, putting Bowling Green at the center of our region’s work in embracing and shaping AI to strengthen Ohio’s economic vitality,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “Bowling Green has long leaned into innovation and new technologies that drive education and workforce forward. As longtime innovators, Bowling Green was the first university in Ohio to launch a computer science department more than 50 years ago, and today, is the first university in the nation to launch an AI+X degree.” 

BGSU students attended the event at no cost, underscoring the University's commitment to providing meaningful learning opportunities outside the classroom.

"Great Lakes AI Week gave our students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hear directly from AI experts and industry leaders, explore real-world applications and make connections that will shape their professional journeys," said Ram Veerapaneni, Ph.D., vice provost for academic affairs at BGSU and conference committee member. "This event empowers students to imagine their future roles in an AI-driven economy and gives them the tools needed to start building that future today."

In addition to opening remarks from President Rogers and a presentation by Provost Ravi Krovi, Bowling Green's innovation in AI education was also spotlighted by JK Jake Lee, Ph.D., chair of the Computer Science Department, who shared how the University is expanding its curriculum and investing in faculty to integrate AI across disciplines.

"Adding AI to our curriculum isn't about checking a box or offering a trendy elective," said Lee. "We're preparing students for the world they'll enter after graduation – where employers expect them to understand, apply and innovate with AI.

"That's why we created the AI+X program, and why we're hiring faculty who can help us rethink how we teach across disciplines. AI is impacting every field, and our students need to be ready."

Bowling Green State University recently appointed a strategic innovation and AI advisor to lead efforts in advancing the integration of artificial intelligence across teaching, learning and operations. With extensive experience in business education, faculty development and AI integration, Tawnya Means, Ph.D., brings a nationally recognized, research-based framework that guides institutions in building AI literacy and competency across campus.

The innovative AI+X program, which opened for applications in October and already has seen a strong response, aims to help students qualify for a variety of careers, including roles as AI developers, data scientists, and in sectors that blend AI with specific domains, such as scientific research, social policy, creative industries and business analytics.

“As a public university for the public good, Bowling Green is proud to be a leader in the integration of AI in higher education, and as we collectively look to drive this technology forward, collaboration between higher education and industry will be critical. It has been an incredible opportunity for our students, faculty and staff to be involved in so many conversations throughout this conference, engaging with the many leaders in our region, state and nation.”