Wake Forest launches AI for Human Flourishing initiative; appoints William Fleeson as Associate Provost for AI Initiatives

Wake Forest University and the Office of the Provost are launching AI for Human Flourishing, a university-wide initiative that will guide the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence across teaching, learning, research and administrative work while remaining grounded in the University’s mission and values. As part of the initiative, Hultquist Family Professor of Psychology William Fleeson, has been appointed Associate Provost for AI Initiatives, effective July 1.

Serving in this leadership role, Fleeson will coordinate the University’s AI for Human Flourishing initiative, lead implementation of campus AI priorities, support faculty and staff leaders across schools and divisions, and work with partners across campus to guide the development of Wake Forest’s long-term academic strategy for artificial intelligence.

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping higher education, and Wake Forest has both an opportunity and a responsibility to approach it thoughtfully,” Interim Provost Nell Jessup Newton said.

“Through AI for Human Flourishing, we are bringing together faculty expertise from across the University to explore how AI can strengthen teaching, learning and research while remaining grounded in the values that define a Wake Forest education. I am grateful that Professor Fleeson has agreed to serve as Associate Provost for AI Initiatives and bring his collaborative leadership and deep understanding of both AI and higher education to this important effort.”

The initiative brings together faculty, staff and academic leaders to develop a comprehensive institutional strategy for artificial intelligence while launching several pilot initiatives during the 2026–27 academic year.

An AI Task Force will help shape the University’s long-term AI strategy while overseeing three cross-school pilot initiatives that emerged from the University’s strategic framework visioning process, faculty proposals and campus-wide feedback.

The pilots include:

• AI Compass, led by Carlson Professor in University Studies Ana Iltis, explores the ethical, societal and health implications of AI while strengthening Wake Forest’s capacity for interdisciplinary research and scholarship on questions surrounding artificial intelligence.
• AI Teaching Studio, led by William Fleeson, examines both the opportunities and challenges AI presents for teaching and learning, with an emphasis on strengthening critical thinking, curiosity and the capacity for navigating ambiguity and complexity.
• AI Impact Clinic, led by School of Business Professor of the Practice Shannon McKeen and Professors of Computer Science Paul Pauca and Errin Fulp, connects faculty and students with internal and external partners to develop practical AI solutions through applied learning and real-world projects.

Throughout the coming year, faculty, staff and students will have opportunities to participate in town halls, unit discussions and other conversations that will help shape Wake Forest’s evolving approach to AI. Recent campus surveys highlighted a strong interest in greater clarity around the role of AI in teaching, learning and scholarship.

“Artificial intelligence presents extraordinary possibilities, but it also challenges us to think carefully about what we value most in education,” Fleeson said.

“Our goal is not simply to adopt new technology. It’s to develop an approach that reflects Wake Forest’s mission—using AI where it enhances teaching, learning, research and our daily work, while ensuring that human judgment, curiosity, creativity and meaningful relationships remain at the center of the Wake Forest experience.”

The initiative is guided by five commitments:

• Putting AI in the service of humanity.
• Protecting what we value most about education and human flourishing.
• Using AI to strengthen, rather than diminish, those values.
• Leveraging AI to support the work of faculty and staff.
• Preparing students to use AI thoughtfully and responsibly where those skills will benefit them.

The pilot initiatives represent the first phase of a broader, collaborative effort to develop Wake Forest’s long-term AI strategy. As the work progresses, insights from faculty, staff and students will help shape how artificial intelligence supports the University’s mission of teaching, discovery and engagement.