AI@UT: Igniting the Future of Learning
March 5, 2026, from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM at the Plant Biotechnology Building (2505 E.J. Chapman Drive).
This campus-wide convening will spotlight UTK faculty creativity in utilizing artificial intelligence in their classrooms. The day will also feature spotlights on our first cohort of GenAI Faculty Fellows, along with faculty innovators who are experimenting with new approaches to teaching, assessment, and curriculum design in an AI-integrated world.
A highlight of the event will be the announcement of the 2026 GenAI Faculty Fellows cohort, as we continue building a strong community of faculty leaders shaping the future of learning at UTK.
Event Details
What: AI@UT: Igniting the Future of Learning
When: March 5, 2026 from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Plant Biotech Building, room 156/167
2505 E J. Chapman Dr, Knoxville, TN 37996
Event Partners: Office of the Provost, Office of Innovative Technologies, Teaching and Learning Innovation
AI@UT: Igniting the Future of Learning – Agenda
8:30 AM: Check-In and Coffee, Tool Playground Opens
9:00 AM: Welcome: State of AI in Education at UTK, Ozlem Kilic, Vice Provost and Founding Dean of the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies
9:25 AM: Fireside Chat: “What Higher Ed Must Become in the Dawn of AI”, Asim Ali, Executive Director of the Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning at Auburn University; Moderated by Ozlem Kilic
10:10 AM: Break
10:25 AM: GenAI Faculty Fellows 2025 Showcase, Moderated by Chris Kilgore, Director of Scholarly Teaching and Special Initiatives, Teaching and Learning Innovation
11:25 AM: Interactive Poster and Demo #1; Moderated by Chris Kilgore
12:00 PM: Boxed Lunches and Awards Ceremony
1:15 PM: Announcement: GenAI Faculty Fellows 2026 Cohort
1:20 PM: Agentic AI and Implications
- Track One: Assessment & Integrity, Moderated by Chris Kilgore
- Track Two: UT Tool Studio; Moderated by Dan Harder, Chief Academic Technology Officer and Deputy CIO, Office of Innovative Technologies
2:20 PM: AI Faculty Champion Spotlights; Moderated by Chris Kilgore
4:00 PM: Closing Remarks, Ozlem Kilic
Fireside Chat: Dr. Asim Ali
Dr. Asim Ali serves as Executive Director of the Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, where he leads institutional strategy at the intersection of instructional innovation, digital learning, and emerging technologies. He oversees a multidisciplinary team of eight direct reports and more than 100 professionals, graduate students, and staff across Auburn Online, Biggio Teaching, Biggio Technology, Biggio Testing, and Engaged and Active Student Learning (EASL) classrooms and facilities.
Ali co-leads Auburn’s augmented and virtual reality initiative (AUX) in partnership with the Office of Information Technology and co-leads artificial intelligence initiatives and advises senior leaders on AI strategy and ethical implementation. He also serves on the leadership team guiding Auburn’s university-wide digital accessibility compliance efforts, where he developed a faculty-centered service to support scalable course remediation and sustainable accessibility practices, ensuring Auburn serves all learners.