Anderson University Sponsors Human-First AI Conference
AU faculty, staff, students, and alumni explore responsible AI at the Flagship Enterprise Center’s second annual SHIFT conference
ANDERSON, Ind. — Last Friday, Anderson University was the title sponsor of the Flagship Enterprise Center’s “SHIFT: Human First. AI Powered” conference.
This conference was the Flagship’s second annual Artificial Intelligence conference. The conference aimed to help organizations empower employees and get the most out of AI tools. It also provided actionable strategies and networking opportunities for regional business owners and professionals.
Several AU staff, faculty, and students attended, enhancing their own professional development.
Provost Courtney Taylor served as one of the breakout speakers, addressing AI Responsibility & Ethics. He has helped lead Anderson University’s efforts in carefully integrating artificial intelligence into teaching, learning, and institutional practice.
“What I found compelling about this conference is that the focus wasn't just on AI technology. The theme, ‘Human First. AI Powered,’ poses a more important question than simply, “What kind of AI tools are best?” Instead, we are asked, ‘How can we use powerful new tools while keeping people, relationships, judgment, and organizational purpose at the center?’”
Courtney Taylor
Provost and professor of mathematics
“What I found compelling about this conference is that the focus wasn’t just on AI technology,” Taylor said. “The theme, ‘Human First. AI Powered,’ poses a more important question than simply, ‘What kind of AI tools are best?’ Instead, we are asked, ‘How can we use powerful new tools while keeping people, relationships, judgment, and organizational purpose at the center?’”
This question applies when running a small business, teaching a class, leading a nonprofit, or preparing for a first career.
“AI gives organizations extraordinary new capabilities, but capability and wisdom aren’t the same thing,” Taylor said. “Just because AI allows us to do something faster, cheaper, or at a greater scale doesn’t necessarily mean that doing so is wise. Ethical AI use begins by asking what responsibilities still belong to human beings.”
Additionally, Kuan-Chuen Wu, assistant professor of mechatronic engineering at AU and a researcher in data-driven science engineering & AI, led a breakout session on coding.
AU business and data science alum Owen Mockabee ‘26, a solutions engineer at Argenti AI and led a breakout session addressing tasks that need to remain human.
Partnering with the Flagship Enterprise Center
Anderson University is a long-time partner of the Flagship Enterprise Center. The university came together with the City of Anderson in 2003 to foster entrepreneurs. The partnership continues to connect education, entrepreneurship, and community development.
“For AU, this partnership is an important way for us to live out our mission and to be deeply invested in the flourishing of the City of Anderson and the broader region,” Taylor said.
The Flagship is a place for collaboration and allows the University, local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to learn from one another. AU brings educational perspectives and connects students and faculty with people solving community issues.
Josh Zacchaeus, director of innovation and incubation at the Flagship Enterprise Center, said that as AI has exploded over the last few years, the pendulum swings in both directions. Some business leaders are afraid to use Artificial Intelligence, while others fully embrace and use it as a replacement for people.
The conference explored how businesses can get the best from their employees and the most out of AI tools.
He says the best AI users see AI systems as a tool, and that good AI approaches are “not all or nothing.”
In addition to building better products and successful businesses, this approach helps prevent employee burnout.
One of the sessions that helped to convey this idea was by keynote speaker Jason Tennenhouse. His premise was: “AI gives you the reach. Only a human can tell you whether the reach reached anyone.”
AI is developing faster than anyone has all the answers for.
“That makes conversations like the ones that happened at SHIFT even more important,” Taylor said.
“Universities have something to contribute to businesses and organizations as they wrestle with questions of learning, ethics, and human flourishing. Businesses have a great deal to teach universities about innovation, implementation, and the changing world our graduates are entering.”
Courtney Taylor
Provost and professor of mathematics
“Universities have something to contribute to businesses and organizations as they wrestle with questions of learning, ethics, and human flourishing. Businesses have a great deal to teach universities about innovation, implementation, and the changing world our graduates are entering,” Taylor said.
As a Christ-centered university, AU’s commitment goes deeper.
Taylor said AU’s first question is not “What can this technology do?” but “What kind of people are we called to be and how can this technology help us serve others faithfully?”
“Our goal is not to avoid AI, but to use it thoughtfully and responsibly in ways that preserve the distinctly human elements of education, serve others well, and ultimately bring glory to God,” he said.
About Anderson University
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult, graduate, and online programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, social work, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.
