(FORT WAYNE) - The University of Saint Francis has received a $125,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support the planning phase of a yearlong study examining the role of artificial intelligence in higher education.
The funding was awarded through Lilly Endowment's Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Higher Education initiative, which is designed to help Indiana colleges and universities assess both the opportunities and challenges AI presents. As part of the initiative, Saint Francis will be eligible to apply for an implementation grant by May 2026, with potential funding of up to $5 million.
According to the university, the Phase One planning grant will support efforts to explore how artificial intelligence can be integrated in ways that align with the university's mission and values, while strengthening teaching, learning, and workforce preparation.
Lilly Endowment said the initiative aims to help institutions develop new strategies as AI becomes increasingly relevant in education and employment.
The project will be led by Nathalie Rouamba, director of teaching and learning and grant project director, along with Director of Grants Terri Saltzman. A local consulting agency will also assist with the study.
"We are thankful to the Lilly Endowment for this grant to address one of the most important issues of our time in higher education," Rouamba said in a statement.
University officials said the long-term goal of the project is to help students, faculty, and staff engage with emerging technologies like AI with purpose, responsibility, and care, ensuring innovation supports both academic excellence and ethical practice.