AI Integration in Higher Education: Miami Dade College's Innovative Approach

Madeline Pumariega, President of Miami Dade College, discusses how the institution has embraced artificial intelligence (AI) across disciplines and integrated it into the student experience. She shares insights on developing AI programs, involving faculty, and addressing ethical considerations.

Key Discussion Points Miami Dade College's AI Journey:

• Creation of stackable credentials in AI, from certificates to associate's and bachelor's degrees
• Interdisciplinary approach, integrating AI across various programs beyond just technology
• Development of AI Institutes and community engagement through speaker series and partnerships

Faculty Development and Adoption:

• Investment in faculty training and workshops on AI
• Grants for faculty to develop innovative AI-enhanced teaching approaches
• Addressing skepticism by drawing parallels to past technological advancements in education

Strategic Implementation of AI:

• Using AI for facilities management, student advising, and enrollment optimization
• Focus on personalized learning experiences and communication with students
• Balancing opportunities with challenges like consumption-based pricing models for AI platforms

Ethical Considerations and Assessment:

• Emphasis on teaching ethics as a foundational part of AI education
• Rethinking assessment methods to focus on knowledge application rather than information recall
• Maintaining focus on critical thinking and proper attribution in the age of AI

Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders and Boards

1. Harness the power of community partnerships and industry collaboration in AI initiatives
2. Align resource allocation with institutional values and strategic priorities
3. Lead with authentic leadership to address the future of higher education and community needs

Final Thoughts

Pumariega emphasizes Miami Dade College's role as a model for AI integration in higher education, serving as a "beacon of hope" for the community. She highlights upcoming focuses on Construction Trades Institute and programs in aviation, aerospace, and unmanned vehicles to align with future workforce needs.

Read the full transcript on our website → 

#HigherEducation #AIEducation #HigherEdPodcast

About Our Podcast Guest

Madeline Pumariega is the first female president appointed to lead one of the nation’s largest educational institutions, Miami Dade College (MDC). Adding to the historic nature of this appointment is the fact that Pumariega is an alumna of MDC.

Prior to becoming MDC’s president, Pumariega was appointed the first female and Hispanic chancellor of the Florida College System (FCS). In that role, she designed and implemented strategies to keep college accessible and affordable for Floridians, especially for those entering high-demand job fields. In 2019, Pumariega became the executive vice president and provost of Tallahassee Community College.

In her current role as President, Pumariega has prioritized working with business partners to identify the skills needed by key industries and tailoring higher education programs to match those needs. This intentional forming of strategic alliances and job pathways between companies and MDC students accelerates each graduate’s ability to enter the workforce immediately. Driving her relentless pursuit is the passion to develop leaders and build thriving communities.

Guest’s LinkedIn Profile →

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton is a consultant to higher education institutions in governance, accreditation, strategic planning, change management, and mergers.

To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm’s website: https://changinghighered.com/.

The Change Leader’s Social Media Links

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/
• Email: [email protected]