Innovating with Crummer’s Newest Center: AI-EDGE (Artificial Intelligence for Executive Decision-Making, Governance, and Execution)

We are pleased to announce the creation of a new Center of Excellence at the Crummer Graduate School of Business: AI-EDGE (Artificial Intelligence for Executive Decision-Making, Governance, and Execution) directed by Dr. Jay Liebowitz, Professor of Business Innovation and Industry Transformation. 

The Center aims to be a leading hub for applied artificial intelligence (AI) education, research, and industry collaboration. The mission is to educate executives on improving their decision making, governance, and execution through AI, while enhancing their organization’s value creation, capture, and delivery in responsible AI ways. 

Dr. Liebowitz, a prolific AI author and internationally known expert, agreed to be the Director of AI-EDGE because of his excitement for its great potential and the direction of the Center. “Most AI centers have been geared toward educating students who want a career in AI. Our focus is more on the professional and the executive. This is a unique focus in that we are looking at AI to help executives meet the challenges they face.”  

AI-EDGE Center Objectives

One of the objectives of the Center is to become a premier destination for applied AI education and research, known not only regionally, but also nationally and internationally. AI-EDGE also aims to foster a vibrant AI community within Rollins College and the broader Central Florida region where people can connect and discuss current AI trends and how they are impacting their industries.  

Another important objective is to develop strategic partnerships with industry and international AI centers. Dr. Liebowitz is well connected here and abroad with a variety of AI experts in the field. Crummer will also be working to link with entities in industry, government, and nonprofits to learn how they are using AI and helping to determine best practices.  

Finally, the last strategic objective is to create impactful educational programs and resources for students, executives, and the community. The Center will function as a supplemental asset for the students, providing additional opportunities for learning and growth in AI. Executives and community members will also benefit from the programs, taking back the skills and knowledge they learn to their organizations and making the community more AI-savvy and technologically advanced. 

Focus, Activities, and Structure

The Center has three focus AI-related areas: executive decision-making, governance, and execution. This includes leveraging AI to solve decision-making challenges and developing case studies and best practices for using AI in executive roles. For governance, the Center will be helping professionals address new risks created by AI, manage AI-related risks and responsibilities, and implement AI governance and responsible best practices. Execution involves guiding individuals in how to integrate AI in organizations for competitive advantage, as well as developing strategies for effective AI deployment and implementation.  

Several key activities are planned for AI-EDGE. There will be educational programs including courses on leveraging AI for business innovation, and AI for Executives boot camps. Research and thought leadership will also be a focus, including publishing insights on AI applications and trends. For industry engagement, the Center will host lectures, summits, and board/corporate membership meetings. Finally, there will also be an emphasis on community outreach. AI-EDGE will build partnerships with local businesses and international AI centers.  

The organizational structure of the center includes an advisory board of AI-adept executives and professionals that will help provide strategic guidance and support.  

Impact

Students can also get involved in the new AI student organization RAISE, which stands for Rollins AI for Social, Economic, and Environmental Impact. The group will be interdisciplinary and include Rollins undergraduate as well as graduate students from Crummer and the Hamilton Holt School. RAISE aims to build a community of future leaders equipped to use AI responsibly and effectively, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to create a better world.  Students interested in joining RAISE can sign up under the Get Involved Rollins Student Organizations site. 

The potential for industry verticals is almost limitless, especially in such a vibrant business community like Central Florida. These markets include healthcare, financial services, hospitality and tourism, real estate, simulation, and law. Partnering with executives and professionals in these industries to enhance their AI utility will contribute to the greater economy of the area and help make Rollins and Crummer a true hub for AI innovation.  

Dr. Liebowitz highly anticipates the impact of AI-EDGE: “My vision for the Center is for it to be the leading applied AI Center aimed for executives, where executives can come to us, or we can go to them, and really demonstrate how AI can be applied to add value in terms of value creation and value delivery in what they do.”  

Conclusion

The launch of AI-EDGE at the Crummer Graduate School of Business marks a significant step forward in bridging the gap between artificial intelligence and executive decision-making, governance, and execution. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Liebowitz, this Center of Excellence is poised to become a premier destination for AI education, applied research, and industry collaboration, not just within Central Florida, but on a national and international scale. 

With its unique focus on empowering executives to harness AI for value creation and responsible governance, AI-EDGE will play a crucial role in shaping the future of business leadership. Through strategic partnerships, impactful educational programs, and a strong emphasis on community engagement, the Center is set to foster a vibrant AI community that will drive innovation across industries. 

As AI continues to transform the global business landscape, AI-EDGE is well-positioned to lead the charge in equipping professionals with the tools and insights they need to thrive in this dynamic environment. The Crummer Graduate School of Business is proud to support this initiative and looks forward to the lasting impact it will have on our students, alumni, and the broader business community. 

If you are a student who would like to get involved with RAISE, visit the Get Involved page here.  

If you are interested in supporting the center, we have membership opportunities available. Contact Jay Liebowitz at jliebowitz@rollins.edu for more information.