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Board approves planning for MSU and UM AI centers; one regent votes no
Summary
Regents approved motions to plan AI centers at MSU Bozeman and UM Missoula, 6–1, with Regent Carter Jasper opposing. Campus leaders said the centers will coordinate systemwide AI efforts and pursue grants to support faculty and student initiatives.
The Montana Board of Regents voted 6–1 to authorize planning for AI centers at Montana State University and the University of Montana, endorsing a systemwide approach to prepare students and faculty to use artificial intelligence in teaching and research.
Interim Deputy Commissioner Joe Thiel described the request to plan and said campuses need AI-centered institutes ‘‘to connect faculty and staff across the MUS to support a system wide approach to prepare students to use AI.’’ MSU Provost Robert Mokwa presented the MSU proposal and called the initiative of ‘‘vital importance,’’ outlining four components for an MSU institute. UM Provost Adrea Lawrence described a complementary Center for Human-Centered AI at UM.
The motion to approve the AI Centers/Institutes package (ITEM 221-2012 and ITEM 221-1007) was made by Regent Dean Folkvord and passed 6–1; Regent Carter Jasper opposed the motion without speaking to the transcript the reason for his opposition was not recorded. The board recorded the vote in committee and at plenary.
Supporters said the centers will enable cross-campus collaboration and increase competitiveness for grants; proponents also cited workforce preparation as a rationale. The record notes discussion of an AI task force to coordinate efforts across MUS and potential grant opportunities to support the institutes.
What happens next: Regents authorized planning; campuses will return with detailed proposals and requests for implementation funding or grant agreements in subsequent meetings.
