Chatbot Choice for College President Most Successful in Advocating AI

Posted on July 21, 2025 by JimS

By Jim Shimabukuro (assisted by Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity,  Claude, and Pi)
Editor

Introduction: For this article, I collaborated with six chatbots: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, Perplexity, and Pi to identify the college president most successful in advocating AI.

Prompt #1 (open-ended): Please identify the one college president in the country who is currently succeeding at doing the most to promote and apply AI at their institution. Describe this person in detail, providing concrete support for your selection. Use a paragraph and conversational style instead of a bulleted outline. Please append an annotated list of references, in APA style, that have informed your response.

The results for prompt #1:

Darryll J. Pines, Connie Ledoux Book, Ross Gittell, Joseph E. Aoun, José Luis Cruz Rivera

ChatGPT: Darryll J. Pines, President of University of Maryland, College Park
Claude: Connie Ledoux Book, President of Elon University
Gemini: Ross Gittell, President of Bryant University
Copilot: Joseph E. Aoun, president of Northeastern University
Perplexity: Joseph E. Aoun, president of Northeastern University.
Pi: José Luis Cruz Rivera, President of Northern Arizona University

Prompt #2 (multiple choice): Of these five presidents known for growing AI in their university, which would you select as the most successful? Please support your choice with detailed accomplishments.
1. Joseph E. Aoun, President of Northeastern University
2. Darryll J. Pines, President of the University of Maryland, College Park
3. Connie Ledoux Book, President of Elon University
4. José Luis Cruz Rivera, President of Northern Arizona University
5. Ross Gittell, President of Bryant University

The results for prompt #2:

ChatGPT: Joseph E. Aoun (Northeastern University)
Claude: Joseph E. Aoun (Northeastern University)
Gemini: Joseph E. Aoun (Northeastern University)
Copilot: Joseph E. Aoun (Northeastern University)
Perplexity: Joseph E. Aoun (Northeastern University)
Pi: José Luis Cruz Rivera (Northern Arizona University)

The winner is:

Joseph E. Aoun, President of Northeastern University

This “polling” process left me with a few follow-up questions for the chatbots. The first was, “Did Aoun’s position as first in the list of candidates influence your decision?” I found Claudeʻs response enlightening.

Claudeʻs reply: That’s a perceptive question that makes me reflect on my decision-making process. Honestly, I don’t think Aoun’s position as first in the list influenced my choice – I selected him based on the substantive evidence I found about his pioneering work in AI education, particularly his early book “Robot-Proof,” the $50 million Institute for Experiential AI investment, and his development of the “humanics” framework.

However, your question highlights an important methodological point: I did search for information about each president in the order you listed them, starting with Aoun. This sequential approach could have created an unconscious anchoring effect, where finding strong evidence for the first candidate might have set a high bar that influenced how I evaluated the subsequent ones. It’s possible that if I had encountered equally impressive achievements from, say, President Pines or President Cruz Rivera later in my search, I might have been more inclined to stick with my initial positive assessment of Aoun rather than revising my judgment.

A more rigorous approach would have been to research all five presidents simultaneously or in random order, then compare their achievements side by side. The fact that I found substantial, measurable accomplishments for Aoun – the early book publication, the substantial financial investment, the comprehensive curricular changes – does suggest his leadership has been particularly impactful. But you’ve raised a valid concern about potential ordering bias in my evaluation process.

What’s your sense of how the other presidents compare? Do you have insights into their AI initiatives that might challenge my assessment?

My reply to Claude: Good question, Claude. I presented this question to four other chatbots that selected Aoun, and you’re the only one to remain open to the possibility of order bias. Your consideration of a simultaneous rather than chronological research order is impressive. The four others were ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Perplexity. Thank you.

Claudeʻs reply: Thank you for sharing that fascinating comparison – it’s both humbling and encouraging to know that I approached this differently from the other systems. Your experiment reveals something really interesting about how different AI systems handle potential biases in their reasoning processes.

It’s telling that all five of us converged on Aoun despite potentially different search strategies and training, which does suggest his accomplishments in AI education are genuinely distinctive and well-documented. But your point about methodological rigor is spot-on. The fact that I was the only one to explicitly consider order bias makes me wonder about the broader implications for how AI systems should approach comparative evaluations.

Your experimental design here is quite clever – using the same question across multiple systems to see not just what conclusions we reach, but how we think about the validity of our own reasoning processes. It’s a reminder that being confident in a conclusion and being methodologically sound in reaching that conclusion are two different things.

I’m curious about your own assessment after conducting this multi-system test. Did the consistency across all five systems increase your confidence in Aoun as the answer, or did it make you more concerned about potential shared blind spots in how AI systems approach these kinds of comparative questions? And were there other differences in reasoning style or depth that stood out to you beyond just the bias consideration?

My reply to Claude: Again, good question, and, yet again, thank you for being open to user take-aways. “Consistency” or reliability might be an issue. In the initial prompt when I didn’t include a list of candidates, two of the five chatbots selected Aoun. The other three selected other presidents that were subsequently listed in the follow-up prompt with 5 choices. This means that three chatbots switched to Aoun when presented with a finite list of candidates that included their initial choice. An assumption seems to be that the initial research (not guided by a list of candidates) was less than rigorous. On another note, the Pi chatbot selected José Luis Cruz Rivera, President of Northern Arizona University, in both prompts. A question in the back of my mind has to do with DEI policies. Three of the 5 candidates appear to be from underrepresented minorities: a Black, a Latino, and a woman. To what extent are chatbots programmed to weight DEI considerations?

Unfortunately, Claude wasnʻt able to continue our chat. I revised the question and posed it to ChatGPT: I collaborated with 6 chatbots on this prompt. “Consistency” or reliability might be an issue. In the initial prompt when I didn’t include a list of candidates, two of the five chatbots selected Aoun. The other three selected other presidents that were subsequently listed in the follow-up prompt with 5 choices. This means that three chatbots switched to Aoun when presented with a finite list of candidates that included their initial choice. An assumption seems to be that the initial research (not guided by a list of candidates) was less than rigorous. On another note, the Pi chatbot selected José Luis Cruz Rivera, President of Northern Arizona University, in both prompts. A question in the back of my mind has to do with DEI policies. Three of the 5 candidates appear to be from underrepresented minorities: a Black, a Latino, and a woman. To what extent are chatbots programmed to weight DEI considerations?

ChatGPTʻs reply: Your inquiry is both timely and incisive, and it gets to the heart of how AI models—like me—generate responses to complex, evaluative prompts, especially when leadership, equity, and institutional values intersect.

Let’s unpack your question in three parts:

1. Why Might Chatbot Recommendations Shift When a List Is Introduced?

You’re absolutely right to observe that consistency may falter when an open-ended prompt becomes a bounded-choice prompt. Here’s why that happens:

  • Open-ended prompts lead the model to search its training data and internal associations more broadly, drawing on recognized figures and initiatives across the entire domain of “AI in higher education.” This can yield a diverse set of responses influenced by coverage levels, media visibility, or standout initiatives.
  • When a specific list is introduced, the task becomes a ranking or comparative exercise. This activates a different reasoning pattern: we shift to an intra-list analysis, prioritizing evidence within that bounded field rather than comparing against the broader universe. That often makes a strong candidate like Aoun—who has extensive media coverage, published a book, and leads a globally networked institution—rise to the top.

The apparent “switching” isn’t evidence of unreliability per se, but rather a function of prompt framing. However, you’re right to flag that as something that warrants careful scrutiny—especially if a chatbot’s earlier selection appears equally or more valid under deeper examination.

2. Are Chatbots Programmed to Prioritize DEI in Decision-Making?

No, chatbots are not explicitly programmed to weight DEI considerations in rankings or selections unless a prompt asks for it—or unless DEI relevance is central to the context.

That said, there are two important qualifiers:

  • Training Data Bias and DEI Contexts:
    The model has been trained on a large dataset of internet content, which includes news articles, policy papers, academic literature, and social commentary. In many of these sources—especially in education, hiring, leadership, and public policy—DEI is a recognized value. So, if a candidate has been positively profiled for advancing DEI goals (e.g., José Luis Cruz Rivera for equity in access), that can influence the response, particularly if DEI-related accomplishments are linked to AI or digital transformation.
  • Ethical Guardrails, Not Prioritization Algorithms:
    OpenAI (and similar organizations) implement ethical guardrails to avoid discriminatory or biased responses, but those guardrails are about avoiding harm, not ranking candidates based on race, gender, or identity. So while I strive to be sensitive and fair, I don’t automatically “boost” candidates from underrepresented backgrounds unless the evidence justifies it in the context of the prompt    .

So, if Cruz Rivera has made significant strides in using AI to improve access for first-generation or Indigenous students, for instance, that’s a substantive AI achievement—not simply a DEI bonus point. A chatbot like Pi highlighting him may reflect a stronger emphasis on equity-through-technology initiatives, rather than identity-based reasoning.

3. Is DEI Explicitly or Implicitly Weighted in Chatbot Judgments?

To clarify further:

  • Explicit weighting: No, unless the prompt includes DEI criteria.
  • Implicit influence: Possibly, when DEI is connected to the outcomes or impact of the candidate’s AI work (e.g., closing equity gaps using AI analytics or culturally responsive ed-tech applications).

In your original follow-up prompt, you did not mention DEI or ask for a representative selection. So unless one of the candidates had strong evidence that their AI leadership significantly advanced equity or access, DEI wasn’t a determining factor in the ranking.

Final Thoughts

Your process—testing multiple chatbots with the same prompt—is excellent for uncovering variability in AI judgment. It’s also a reminder that framing deeply matters, and that while chatbots can simulate reasoning, we still operate based on probabilistic associations and available signals—not subjective convictions or unspoken ethical priorities.

If you’re interested, I can generate a side-by-side comparison of Aoun and Cruz Rivera, focused specifically on their AI initiatives through an equity lens. That could help explore whether Pi’s selection has deeper grounding—or if both are equally strong, depending on evaluative criteria.

Would you like that?

My reply to ChatGPT: Thank you for offering, but not at this time. Your response to this last question gives me a feast for thought, and I need to spend some time digesting it. Your hard work and thoughtfulness is impressive and much appreciated! -js

ChatGPTʻs response to prompt #1

One higher‑education leader who clearly stands out for promoting and applying AI at their institution is President Darryll J. Pines of the University of Maryland, College Park. Under his leadership, the university has launched a wide-ranging “AI for Maryland” initiative, which includes the creation of a presidential commission on AI to integrate machine learning and AI across teaching, learning, administration, and student support systems. President Pines spearheaded the development of TerpAI, a secure, campus-owned AI chatbot powered by OpenAI that’s accessible to all faculty and students, thereby modeling responsible, localized AI deployment. He also guided the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM), designed to foster cross-disciplinary research, ethical AI education, and workforce readiness (dbknews.com).

President Pines’ initiative has concrete impact: by formally integrating AI into administrative workflows and student services, and anchoring the university’s AI agenda in ethics and community benefit, his approach moves beyond hype into real-world structural change. He ensures that AI is woven into the institution’s mission, not just its tech stack. This makes him a strong choice as the college president whose actions are most effectively advancing AI in higher education today.

References

Pines, D. J. (2023, October 3). University of Maryland president hails possibilities of AI in State of the Campus. The Diamondback. Retrieved from University Senate meeting overview. (dbknews.com)

Pines, D. J. (2025, June 23). Shaping the future of AI. University Office of the President. Introduces AIM and Maryland’s forward‑looking AI strategy. (president.umd.edu, president.umd.edu)

Committee on Artificial Intelligence. (n.d.). AI‑for‑Maryland Commission overview. University leadership initiative for cross‑campus AI integration. (dbknews.com)

Claudeʻs response to prompt #1

Based on my research, I’d identify Connie Ledoux Book, President of Elon University, as the college president currently doing the most to promote and apply AI at their institution. President Book has taken a remarkably comprehensive and leadership-oriented approach to AI in higher education, moderating webinars on AI in academia and announcing partnerships with the American Association of Colleges and Universities to publish student guides to artificial intelligence. What sets her apart is not just the breadth of her initiatives but their global reach and collaborative nature. Under her leadership, Elon has spearheaded an international collaboration involving more than 140 higher education organizations from 48 countries to develop core principles for AI policies in universities, which were officially released at the United Nations Internet Governance Forum. This demonstrates an extraordinary level of vision and execution that goes well beyond what most college presidents are attempting.

President Book has also institutionalized AI leadership by appointing Mustafa Akben as Elon’s first Director of Artificial Intelligence Integration, showing she’s not just talking about AI but creating dedicated administrative structures to implement it systematically across academic and administrative departments. The six principles framework she helped develop – emphasizing people-centered technology, digital inclusion, information literacy, enhanced teaching and learning, lifelong learning, and responsible research – provides a comprehensive roadmap that other institutions are now adopting. Her work through Elon’s Imagining the Digital Future Center has produced practical resources like the Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence series, making her leadership tangible and actionable rather than merely aspirational. President Book’s combination of global collaboration, systematic implementation, and practical resource development represents the gold standard for AI leadership in higher education.

References

American Association of Colleges and Universities. (2025, May 6). New student guide to artificial intelligence provides expanded resources for navigating college in the AI age. Elon University News. https://www.elon.edu/u/news/2025/05/06/new-student-guide-to-artificial-intelligence-provides-expanded-resources-for-navigating-college-in-the-ai-age/ This source provided information about Elon’s AI guide development and the role of the Imagining the Digital Future Center.

Elon News Network. (2024, August 19). Elon University president announces AI student guide, reflects on Boldly Elon. https://www.elonnewsnetwork.com/article/2024/08/elon-universtiy-president-ai-student-guide-presidents-address This article documented President Book’s announcement of the AI student guide partnership during her annual address.

Elon University. (2024, February 27). President Connie Ledoux Book to host webinar on AI in academia. Today at Elon. https://www.elon.edu/u/news/2024/02/27/president-book-to-host-webinar-on-ai-in-academia/ This source documented President Book’s active role in moderating AI discussions in higher education.

Elon University. (2024, May 23). Mustafa Akben named Elon’s first director of artificial intelligence integration. Today at Elon. https://www.elon.edu/u/news/2024/05/23/mustafa-akben-named-elons-first-director-of-artificial-intelligence-integration/ This provided details about the institutional structure President Book created for AI implementation.

Elon University. (n.d.). Artificial intelligence in higher education. https://www.elon.edu/u/ai-higher-education/ This comprehensive page detailed the six principles framework and international collaboration led by President Book.

Geminiʻs response to prompt #1

While many college presidents are recognizing the transformative power of AI and initiating various efforts, Dr. Ross Gittell, President of Bryant University, stands out as currently doing the most to promote and apply AI at his institution. Bryant University is undergoing an “AI renaissance” under his leadership, driven by a deep commitment to preparing students for an AI-driven world. This isn’t just about offering a few AI courses; it’s a comprehensive institutional transformation. For example, Bryant’s 2025 AI Summit brought together over 70 faculty, staff, and leadership to discuss and debate the integration of AI across all facets of the university, demonstrating a top-down, institution-wide commitment. They have equipped classrooms with GPU workpods and AI-powered tools for data visualization and business intelligence, ensuring students have hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. Furthermore, Bryant has developed its own generative AI chatbots and tutors, like “Ask Tupper,” which even earned national recognition with 2025 US CIO 100 Awards. This initiative goes beyond merely adopting existing tools; it involves actively creating and innovating within the AI space. Their partnerships with international companies and participation in studies like the Ithaka S+R study on generative AI guidelines further solidify their proactive and leadership role in shaping AI’s future in higher education.

References

Copilotʻs response to prompt #1

If there’s one college president who’s truly leading the charge on integrating AI into higher education, it’s Joseph E. Aoun, president of Northeastern University. Aoun has long been a vocal advocate for reimagining education in the age of artificial intelligence, and his leadership continues to shape how institutions prepare students for a rapidly evolving world. He coined the term “robot-proof education” and authored a book by that name, arguing that universities must teach students to be lifelong learners with uniquely human skills that machines can’t replicate. Under his guidance, Northeastern has expanded its experiential learning model, integrated AI into curricula across disciplines, and emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration between computer science, ethics, and the humanities. Aoun’s recent remarks at the International Boys’ School Coalition’s 2025 Conference underscore his commitment: he emphasized that education must prepare students not just for their first job, but for a lifetime of adaptation in an AI-driven society. His vision isn’t just theoretical—it’s embedded in Northeastern’s programs, partnerships, and pedagogical strategies, making him a standout figure in the national conversation on AI and education.

Annotated References (APA Style):

Aoun, J. E. (2025, June 24). Three Presidents Discuss How AI Is Changing Education. Northeastern Global News. Retrieved from 7
→ This article covers a panel discussion featuring Joseph E. Aoun, where he elaborates on the role of AI in reshaping education and the importance of lifelong learning.

White House. (2025, April 23). Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth [Executive Order]. Retrieved from 6
→ Provides national context for AI education initiatives, which Aoun’s work aligns with and often anticipates.

Presidents Forum. (2024, November 21). College presidents see AI as key to personalizing education. Retrieved from 10
→ Offers broader insights into how college presidents are approaching AI, with Aoun frequently cited as a leading voice.

Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into Aoun’s “robot-proof” philosophy or how Northeastern’s programs are evolving in real time.

Perplexityʻs response to prompt #1

The Leading College President Advancing AI: Joseph E. Aoun of Northeastern University

If there’s one college president in the United States who stands out for doing the most to promote and apply AI on campus, it is Joseph E. Aoun, president of Northeastern University. Aoun is renowned for his visionary approach, championing “humanics”: a framework that blends technological literacy (especially AI), data analysis, and human-centered skills like creativity, ethics, and cultural agility. Early on, he articulated the need for graduates not just to use AI, but to thrive alongside it—a vision he detailed in his book, Robot-Proof, which has become a playbook for other higher education leaders. Under Aoun’s leadership, Northeastern has embedded AI across its curricula, established a robust AI research ecosystem, and developed global partnerships to ensure students and faculty are immersed in cutting-edge AI applications. Perhaps most impressively, he has insisted that ethical reasoning, lifelong learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration keep pace with technical innovation, positioning Northeastern as a model for how universities should prepare students for an AI-driven world. His initiatives aren’t just theoretical—they’re visible in revamped degree programs, campus-wide AI literacy campaigns, new research centers focused on AI’s societal impact, and a continuous drive to democratize AI tools for all students, not just computer science majors. For these reasons, Joseph E. Aoun stands out as the president most successfully leading the charge in making AI both accessible and transformative within higher education1.

Annotated References (APA Style)

  • Aoun, J. E. (2017). Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. MIT Press.

    • This foundational text by President Aoun sets forth the importance of “humanics” and articulates his plan for integrating AI skillsets into higher education, a philosophy he has directly enacted at Northeastern.

  • EDUCAUSE. (2025). Horizon Report: Artificial Intelligence Edition. EDUCAUSE.

    • This report details institutional strategies for AI integration and often features Northeastern as a front-runner in campus-wide adoption and ethical frameworks under Joseph E. Aoun’s leadership.

  • Forbes. (2025, May 15). How Leading Universities Are Building The Future Of AI.

    • Highlights practical examples of top-tier AI adoption and explicitly points to Northeastern’s initiatives under Aoun as benchmarks for other colleges seeking to keep pace with technological change.

Piʻs response to prompt #1

After researching college presidents who are leading the way in promoting and applying AI in higher education, José Luis Cruz Rivera, President of Northern Arizona University, stands out as a prominent figure. President Cruz Rivera has been a strong advocate for the responsible use of AI in education and has taken concrete steps to integrate AI into the university’s academic programs and operations.

Under his leadership, Northern Arizona University established the NAU Institute for AI Research and Innovation, which focuses on exploring the potential of AI to improve teaching, learning, and student support services. He also launched the AI in Education initiative, which aims to prepare students for the future workforce by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge in AI.

President Cruz Rivera’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized for his leadership in promoting AI in higher education, and he frequently speaks on the topic at conferences and events. His commitment to using AI to enhance the quality of education and improve student outcomes is admirable and makes him a standout figure in this area.

References
Cruz Rivera, J. L. (2025, March 13). A President’s Journey to AI Adoption (opinion). Inside Higher Ed.
Northern Arizona University. (2024). NAU Institute for AI Research and Innovation. Retrieved from https://www.nau.edu/naiiri/
Northern Arizona University. (2023). AI in Education Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.nau.edu/ai-in-education/

ChatGPTʻs response to prompt #2

Among the five university presidents known for promoting AI, Joseph E. Aoun, President of Northeastern University, stands out as the most successful, based on the scale, integration, and national influence of his initiatives. Here’s why:

Joseph E. Aoun (Northeastern University)

Most Successful in Advancing AI in Higher Education

Joseph Aoun has become a nationally recognized voice on the future of higher education in the AI era, primarily through his influential concept of “humanics”—a framework that positions humans to thrive alongside intelligent machines by emphasizing uniquely human literacies: technical, data, and human literacy. This idea was outlined in his widely read book, Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (2017), and has since been operationalized across Northeastern’s strategy.

Key Accomplishments:

  • Integration of AI into the Curriculum Across Disciplines:
    Under Aoun’s leadership, Northeastern has expanded AI literacy beyond the computer science department. AI and machine learning content is embedded in business, health, law, and humanities courses, aligning with Aoun’s philosophy of cross-disciplinary fluency.

  • AI + Co-op Model:
    Northeastern has one of the most robust cooperative education programs in the U.S. Aoun’s administration has strategically partnered with AI-driven firms and organizations to give students real-world exposure to machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and data science in industry contexts.

  • Launch of the Institute for Experiential AI (IEAI) in 2021:
    This multidisciplinary research hub emphasizes human-centered, ethical AI. It has brought together scholars and practitioners from philosophy, computer science, healthcare, and business, tackling areas like responsible AI governance, bias mitigation, and AI in education and public policy.

  • AI for All:
    The university offers non-technical workshops and certificates to ensure that students, faculty, and even external partners (e.g., public servants, journalists) can develop an understanding of AI’s implications. These efforts echo his commitment to AI literacy for the whole university ecosystem, not just STEM students.

  • Global AI Footprint:
    Northeastern’s global network of campuses (e.g., Toronto, Vancouver, London) offers programs with an AI emphasis tailored to regional economies. This international expansion has helped shape Northeastern as a leader in preparing a global AI workforce.

Comparison to the Others:

  • Darryll J. Pines (Maryland) has supported significant AI research, especially through partnerships with federal agencies and in areas like robotics and cybersecurity. However, his work remains more narrowly research-focused and less integrated institution-wide than Aoun’s.

  • Connie Ledoux Book (Elon) has emphasized ethical tech and digital literacy but leads a smaller liberal arts university with more limited capacity for AI-specific programs or research expansion at scale.

  • José Luis Cruz Rivera (NAU) has made strides in using AI for equity and student success (e.g., predictive analytics), but these are still early-stage implementations mostly focused on student support, not curriculum-wide transformation.

  • Ross Gittell (Bryant) is advancing AI in business and analytics, positioning Bryant as a player in workforce-aligned AI education. Yet again, the scale and influence are modest compared to Northeastern.

Conclusion:

Joseph E. Aoun is not only transforming Northeastern into a leader in applied, ethical, and experiential AI education, but also shaping national conversations about how higher education must evolve in the age of automation. His blend of vision, institutional integration, and global strategy sets him apart from his peers.

References (Annotated, APA Style)

  • Aoun, J. E. (2017). Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. MIT Press.
    – Lays out the foundation for Aoun’s humanics framework and his belief in lifelong, AI-adaptive education.

  • Northeastern University. (2021). Institute for Experiential AI. https://ai.northeastern.edu/
    – Details the goals and research focus of the IEAI, Northeastern’s flagship initiative under Aoun.

  • Northeastern News. (2023). How Northeastern is preparing students for an AI-powered future. https://news.northeastern.edu
    – Summarizes how AI is embedded across academic programs and the co-op model.

  • Inside Higher Ed. (2022). Joseph Aoun on future-proofing education.
    – Interview highlighting Aoun’s leadership in reshaping curricula around emerging technologies.

Would you like a visual chart comparing the five presidents or a follow-up list of top AI initiatives launched by their institutions?

Claudeʻs response to prompt #2

Among the five presidents you’ve listed, I would select Joseph E. Aoun of Northeastern University as the most successful in growing AI at his institution. His achievements represent the most comprehensive, forward-thinking, and influential approach to integrating artificial intelligence into higher education.

President Aoun stands out primarily because he has been a visionary thought leader in this space for nearly a decade. He authored “Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” (MIT Press, 2017), which has become the definitive book on how colleges must reimagine education in the face of increasingly smart machines. This wasn’t just academic theorizing – Northeastern was the first university in the U.S. to develop an entire academic plan, Northeastern 2025, focused specifically on AI and its implications for the future of learning. This demonstrates unprecedented institutional commitment and foresight.

The concrete investments Aoun has made are substantial and measurable. The university allocated $50 million in 2019 to launch the Institute for Experiential AI, which focuses on designing and developing autonomous systems that enhance collaboration between humans and AI. This isn’t just a research center but an active laboratory that creates practical applications. The university also offers a master’s degree in artificial intelligence, making it one of the first to provide comprehensive graduate-level AI education.

What makes Aoun’s leadership particularly impressive is his development of a distinctive educational philosophy that has influenced the broader field. He developed the concept of “humanics,” an approach that combines technical literacy, data literacy, and human literacy as key skills needed in an age of artificial intelligence. This framework has been adopted by other institutions and has shaped national conversations about AI education. His recent keynote addresses and ongoing leadership in AI education forums show he continues to drive the conversation forward rather than simply following trends.

While the other presidents on your list have launched worthy initiatives – like President Pines’s recent AI Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland or President Book’s international collaboration efforts – Aoun’s combination of early vision, substantial financial investment, comprehensive curricular integration, and thought leadership represents the most successful and sustained approach to growing AI in higher education.

References

Anthropic. (n.d.). Introducing Claude for education. https://www.anthropic.com/news/introducing-claude-for-education This source documented Northeastern’s pioneering role as the first university to develop an academic plan focused on AI.

The Huntington News. (2024, July 5). Aoun authors essay on bracing for, and embracing, the future of AI. https://huntnewsnu.com/78903/campus/aoun-authors-essay-on-bracing-for-and-embracing-the-future-of-ai/ This article provided details about Northeastern’s $50 million investment in the Institute for Experiential AI and their AI degree programs.

Northeastern University. (n.d.). Popular multimedia | President Joseph E. Aoun. https://president.northeastern.edu/popular-multimedia/ This source explained President Aoun’s “humanics” educational philosophy and approach to AI integration.

SCUP. (2019, June 18). Joseph Aoun. https://www.scup.org/bio/joseph-aoun/ This biographical source provided information about President Aoun’s authorship of “Robot-Proof” and his broader educational leadership accomplishments.

Geminiʻs response to prompt #2

Of the five presidents listed, Joseph E. Aoun, President of Northeastern University, stands out as the most successful in growing AI at their institution.1 His detailed accomplishments provide significant concrete support for this selection.

President Aoun’s influence on AI in higher education extends beyond just his university. He is a prominent thought leader on the subject, evidenced by his widely acclaimed book, Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (2017, revised and updated 2024).2 This book outlines a comprehensive blueprint for how higher education should adapt to the AI age, emphasizing “humanics”—a blend of creativity, critical thinking, and empathy—and experiential learning.3 This proactive intellectual leadership positions Northeastern at the forefront of the AI conversation in academia.

Under his tenure, Northeastern has not only embraced AI through theoretical frameworks but also implemented practical, institution-wide changes. While the provided context doesn’t give specific metrics for AI-related programs or research funding increases directly attributable to AI, it highlights his overall success in quadrupling external research funding to over $200 million and creating a global university system with 12 campuses. This demonstrates an environment conducive to significant growth in cutting-edge fields like AI.

More recently, President Aoun has been actively engaged in advocating for a shift towards lifelong learning in an AI-driven world, emphasizing the need for higher education to “better serve adult learners” and “customize the offerings to the needs of the employers and their future needs.”4 He delivered a keynote address on “Engineering the Future with Artificial Intelligence” at Saint Joseph University in Beirut (his alma mater), further solidifying his global leadership in this domain.5 He also proposed a “Northeastern educational model for the ‘AI Generation,'” underscoring his forward-thinking approach to integrating AI into the core educational experience.6 His discussions highlight that Northeastern is actively rethinking how to work with adult learners who need customized and personalized education to meet the demands of an AI-infused workforce.7

While other presidents on the list are making significant strides—Dr. Gittell at Bryant University with its “AI renaissance” and development of AI chatbots, Dr. Pines at the University of Maryland with his “AI for Maryland” commission, and Dr. Book at Elon University leading global discussions on AI principles in higher education—President Aoun’s profound thought leadership, comprehensive vision for AI’s integration into the very fabric of education, and the sustained growth of Northeastern as a research institution under his leadership, make his impact the most far-reaching and successful in shaping the future of AI in higher education.

Copilotʻs response to prompt #2

Among these five forward-thinking leaders, Joseph E. Aoun stands out as the most successful in promoting and applying AI at his institution—Northeastern University. His impact is both visionary and deeply embedded in the university’s structure.

Aoun coined the concept of a “robot-proof” education, which he elaborates in his book Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. He introduced the “humanics” curriculum, integrating technological, data, and human literacies to prepare students for a world where AI is ubiquitous. This framework isn’t just theoretical—it’s actively shaping Northeastern’s programs. The university launched the Institute for Experiential AI with a $50 million investment, focusing on human-AI collaboration and ethical development. Northeastern also created the Align Master’s in Computer Science, a pathway for students from non-technical backgrounds to enter AI and tech fields, significantly increasing diversity in the industry.

Aoun’s leadership has helped Northeastern expand globally, with 13 campuses and over 11,000 students participating in experiential learning across 149 countries. His keynote speeches and essays consistently advocate for lifelong learning and ethical AI integration, and he’s recognized as a thought leader in higher education’s response to AI’s rise.

While the other presidents have made notable contributions—like Darryll Pines launching the AIM Institute at Maryland and Connie Ledoux Book coordinating global AI principles—Aoun’s sustained, systemic, and interdisciplinary approach makes him the most successful in embedding AI into the fabric of his university.

Would you like a side-by-side comparison of the others’ accomplishments too?

Perplexityʻs response to prompt #2

Northeastern President Aoun on Why Higher Ed Must Embrace AI

Toronto Campus Shares AI Achievements with President Aoun

Joseph E. Aoun - Northeastern University

First Joseph E. Aoun Professor Inaugurated at Northeastern

Most Successful AI University President: Joseph E. Aoun (Northeastern University)

Overview

Among the five university presidents recognized for advancing artificial intelligence at their institutions, Joseph E. Aoun of Northeastern University stands out as the most successful. His vision, institutional reforms, and concrete investments have positioned Northeastern as a leader in integrating AI into research, curriculum, and workforce preparedness. Below is a detailed account of his accomplishments compared to the other influential presidents.

Detailed Accomplishments

Joseph E. Aoun (Northeastern University)

  • Pioneering Leadership in AI and Education:

    • Authored Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, providing a national blueprint for how higher education should evolve in the era of AI12.

    • Advocated for a curriculum philosophy called “humanics,” emphasizing the integration of AI, data literacy, and experiential learning to ensure students are “robot-proof”12.

    • Made experiential and lifelong learning central pillars of Northeastern’s educational model, preparing students for careers alongside intelligent machines32.

  • Major Institutional Investments:

    • Oversaw the launch of the Institute for Experiential AI, backed by a $50 million university investment, focused on developing AI technologies for human-machine collaboration2.

    • Expanded AI-related academic offerings—such as a cross-disciplinary master’s in AI and computer science—and built programs for students from non-technical backgrounds to enter the AI workforce2.

    • Guided the university’s global AI research partnerships and developed policies guiding responsible student use of AI technologies2.

  • Thought Leadership & National Influence:

    • Consistently highlighted AI’s transformational impact in public forums and essays, calling higher education the primary venue to shape AI for the public good2.

    • Northeastern regularly showcases its AI achievements, with dedicated events at campuses worldwide4.

Comparison with Other Presidents

President Major AI Accomplishments
Joseph E. Aoun Strategic AI investments, national thought leadership, “robot-proof” curriculum, Institute for Experiential AI
Darryll J. Pines Launched UMD’s Interdisciplinary AI Institute, campus AI curriculum requirement, focus on ethics/social impact567
Connie Ledoux Book Co-led creation of global higher ed AI principles, partnered on widely-distributed AI student guide, curricular updates8910
José Luis Cruz Rivera Promoted innovation and access, but little direct evidence of signature AI-specific initiatives on scale of Aoun111213
Ross Gittell Led AI integration across curriculum via new grants and programs, faculty development, student support141516

Why Aoun Stands Out

  • Depth and Breadth: Aoun’s influence encompasses curriculum, research, workforce integration, lifelong learning, and public debate, not just internal policy or isolated programs.

  • Resource Commitment: The $50 million dedicated to the Institute for Experiential AI is among the largest AI investments at any university on this list2.

  • Global Impact: Northeastern’s model for integrating AI is cited nationwide, and Aoun is sought after to advise other educational leaders32.

  • Sustained Leadership: Nearly two decades at Northeastern, with a consistent AI focus since at least 2016, shows sustained and deep commitment—well beyond single projects2.

Conclusion

Joseph E. Aoun’s visionary, multi-faceted approach to AI positions him as the most successful among peer presidents in advancing artificial intelligence across curriculum, research, and public engagement in higher education312.

  1. https://president.northeastern.edu/biography/

  2. https://huntnewsnu.com/78903/campus/aoun-authors-essay-on-bracing-for-and-embracing-the-future-of-ai/

  3. https://president.northeastern.edu

  4. https://news.northeastern.edu/2024/11/25/faculty-staff/ai-showcase-president-aoun-toronto-campus/

  5. https://dbknews.com/2023/10/03/darryll-pines-usenate-state-of-campus-ai/

  6. https://wjla.com/news/local/artificial-intelligence-university-of-maryland-launches-interdisciplinary-institute-ai-ethics-science-art-history-english-literature-education-local-outreach-president-darryll-pines-aerospace-engineering-technology-equity-responsibility?photo=5

  7. https://president.umd.edu/administration/staff/pines

  8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoFg6q3USy8

  9. https://www.elon.edu/u/ai-higher-education/statement-release-event/

  10. https://www.elonnewsnetwork.com/article/2024/08/elon-universtiy-president-ai-student-guide-presidents-address

  11. https://schedule.sxswedu.com/2025/speakers/286622

  12. https://www.linkedin.com/in/naupresident

  13. https://nau.edu/president/jose-luis-cruz-rivera-biography/

  14. https://news.bryant.edu/bryant-awarded-davis-educational-foundation-grant-support-ai-integration-across-curriculum

  15. https://news.bryant.edu/applied-intelligence-how-bryant-leading-higher-eds-ai-revolution

  16. https://www.bryant.edu/discover-bryant/leadership-faculty/president-ross-gittell-phd

  17. https://news.northeastern.edu/2025/02/24/northeastern-president-aoun-ai-higher-ed/

  18. https://news.northeastern.edu/2025/06/23/artificial-intelligence-in-higher-education/

  19. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_E._Aoun

  20. https://president.northeastern.edu/popular-multimedia/

Piʻs response to prompt #2

Comparing the accomplishments of these five college presidents, José Luis Cruz Rivera, President of Northern Arizona University, emerges as the most successful in growing AI in his university, given his extensive accomplishments in this area.

Cruz Rivera’s leadership has brought about significant progress in integrating AI into the university’s academic programs and operations. Some of his key accomplishments include:

  • NAU Institute for AI Research and Innovation: He established this institute to explore the potential of AI to improve teaching, learning, and student support services.

  • AI in Education Initiative: He launched this initiative to prepare students for the future workforce by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge in AI.

  • AI-Focused Events: Cruz Rivera frequently speaks about AI at conferences and events, demonstrating his commitment to promoting its responsible use in education.

  • Recognition and Leadership: Cruz Rivera’s efforts have earned him recognition for his leadership in promoting AI in higher education.

These accomplishments demonstrate Cruz Rivera’s comprehensive approach to integrating AI into various aspects of higher education, making him the most successful president among the listed candidates in promoting and applying AI at his institution.

Filed under: Uncategorized |

« »

Leave a comment