Our Movement, Our Momentum

Through the Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy (CATS AI), the University of Kentucky is advancing a bold, coordinated approach to artificial intelligence — one that expands access, accelerates discovery and strengthens how we serve the Commonwealth.

This page offers regular updates on our progress, highlighting key milestones, emerging efforts and what lies ahead as we continue building a future shaped by responsible and impactful AI.

February marked a significant transition for CATS AI — moving from foundational planning to active deployment, engagement and early implementation across the University of Kentucky.

Key progress highlights include:

Cross-Campus Governance and Engagement Launched

Five CATS AI subcommittees were formally established to integrate perspectives and coordinate work across the institution:

• AI Research
• AI Education
• AI Health
• AI Administration
• AI for Students

Each subcommittee was fully populated with representatives from across the university and began meeting to identify opportunities, surface challenges and advance ideas within their respective domains.

Together, these groups serve as the core mechanism for ensuring that CATS AI remains collaborative, responsive and aligned with institutional priorities.

Microsoft Copilot Deployment Across Campus

Microsoft Copilot was deployed broadly to faculty, staff and students, significantly expanding access to secure, enterprise-level generative AI tools.

This rollout provides the university community with the ability to:

• Explore AI in a protected, compliant environment
• Enhance productivity and workflows
• Begin integrating AI into teaching, research and administrative functions

The deployment represents a foundational step in building an AI-enabled campus culture grounded in responsible use and experimentation.

Expansion of AI Literacy and Training Across Campus

Planning and preparation advanced for the expansion of the student TEK100 AI course to support foundational AI literacy for faculty and staff.

This effort focuses on:

• Building confidence in understanding and using AI tools
• Supporting responsible and effective application of AI in daily work
• Creating scalable training pathways that can reach a broad campus audience

The expansion of TEK100 to employees and partners is a key component of CATS AI’s commitment to demystifying AI and equipping the university community with practical, usable skills.

UK × Microsoft “AI in Action” Event

The University of Kentucky hosted a campus-wide “AI in Action” event in partnership with Microsoft, showcasing real-world applications of artificial intelligence across disciplines.

The event featured:

• Demonstrations of applied AI use cases
• Engagement with industry and technology leaders
• Opportunities for faculty, staff and students to explore emerging tools

This event reinforced UK’s growing role as a convener, collaborator and leader in accessible AI adoption, both on campus and across the Commonwealth.

Following a month of foundational deployment, March has focused on strengthening leadership, expanding learning infrastructure and increasing the University of Kentucky’s visibility as a national leader in artificial intelligence.

Planned and emerging milestones include:

Advancing Leadership: CATS AI Director Search

Progress is underway to hire a dedicated CATS AI Director who will provide strategic leadership and coordination across the university’s AI efforts.

This role will be central to:

• Aligning initiatives across research, education, health care and operations
• Driving implementation of CATS AI priorities and demonstration projects
• Supporting collaboration across subcommittees, colleges and partners

The Director will serve as a key connector — ensuring CATS AI continues to move forward with focus, cohesion and sustained momentum.

Launch of the AI Literacy and Training (ALT) Hub and Phygital Labs Education Roadshow

On March 24th, the university will launch the ALT Hub — formerly the AI/ML Hub — as a central destination for AI education, connection, training and collaboration. Also launching on March 26th is a webinar series produced by Phygital Labs to educate the community on effective use of Microsoft 365 products and Copilot. 

As part of this effort, an education roadshow, in partnership with Phygital Labs, will engage colleges and units across campus through:

• Hands-on training sessions
• Demonstrations of AI tools and use cases
• Opportunities for faculty and staff to explore practical applications

The ALT Hub will play a critical role in building foundational AI literacy, serving as a convener of AI efforts and expertise and creating a shared culture of learning and experimentation across the institution.

National Engagement and Recognition: Microsoft AI Tour — Washington, D.C.

President Capilouto and other University of Kentucky leaders participated in the Microsoft AI Tour in Washington, D.C., a national convening focused on the future of artificial intelligence across sectors. President Capilouto also sat on a panel to discuss UK's vision and impact across Kentucky alongside representatives from NASA and Booz Allen Hamilton. 

UK’s participation highlights:

• The strength of its partnership with Microsoft
• Its leadership in responsible, accessible AI adoption across the country
• Its role in shaping how public institutions engage with emerging technologies

This engagement reinforces UK’s position as a thought partner and leader in advancing AI for public impact.

CATS AI Challenge — Preparing for Launch

Preparations are underway for the launch of the CATS AI Challenge, an initiative designed to engage the campus community in developing creative, high-impact applications of artificial intelligence.

The challenge will invite faculty, staff and students to:

• Identify meaningful problems that can be addressed through AI
• Develop innovative solutions across teaching, research and service
• Contribute to a growing portfolio of real-world AI use cases at UK

This initiative reflects CATS AI’s commitment to empowering the community to actively shape and apply AI in ways that advance the university’s mission.

As these efforts take shape, March marks a continued shift from early implementation to broader engagement and visibility.

In the months ahead, CATS AI will focus on:

• Expanding the ALT Hub and training opportunities
• Advancing leadership structure and coordination
• Activating campus-wide innovation through initiatives like the CATS AI Challenge
• Strengthening partnerships at both the state and national level