University of Kentucky AI Initiative Prepares Students for Digital Future

AI is transforming higher education even more rapidly than ever before. According to a recent survey conducted by UNESCO, nearly two-thirds of higher education institutions worldwide are currently using or developing guidelines on the use of AI in teaching, research, and operations. Further global reports indicate that 86% of university students now regularly utilise AI tools as part of their academic work. This indicates the extent to which universities have prepared learners in response to the advancements brought about by digital innovation for the future.

The University of Kentucky, located in Lexington, is the commonwealth's flagship public land-grant institution. Its diverse offerings encompass education, research, healthcare, and community-service development. For example, the Advancing Kentucky Together (AKT) Network brings the university into contact with partners across the Commonwealth in improving lives and developing work skills.

So, the University of Kentucky announced the AI course now known as TEK 100: Collaborative Intelligence Understanding and Using Modern AI. This 100-level, one-credit-hour class will be part of Kentucky University's artificial intelligence program. It marks the beginning of building an AI literacy foundation for all students. The course will be taught during the Spring 2026 session, twice, from January 12 to March 2, and might also be offered later from March 9 to May 8 to offer students various chances to engage with AI across disciplines.

A Campus-Wide AI Initiative

The launch of TEK 100 marks an early milestone in the University of Kentucky campus-wide AI initiative known as the UK CATS AI strategy. This framework coordinates artificial intelligence work across all 17 colleges, libraries, research centres, and UK HealthCare. This is part of the Advancing Kentucky Together (AKT) Network, which links the university with partners in education, health care, workforce, and community development.

Recently, the Board of Trustees charged UK to become the "partner-institution-of-choice" for advancing AI in Kentucky. The UK Applied AI Centre, as well as other initiatives such as UK ADVANCE and the AI/ML Hub, support this direction.

Building AI Literacy Across Disciplines

TEK 100 is meant to reach out to every student in the UK, regardless of major, to acquire basic knowledge of AI literacy. It embodies an initial step in college-wide AI education, ensuring that students of fine arts, business, medicine, engineering, or design learn to use and critique AI tools.

The course is led by Katherine Thompson, PhD, and Tama Thé, M.D. They noted that the class was designed in such a way that it encourages students to relate to AI as a true partner in the process of creativity and analysis.

There will also be training of students on:

1. Basic concepts like how large language models work, where algorithmic bias can be identified.

2. Practical skills such as prompt engineering and advanced creative collaborations with AI.

3. Ethical AI use by university teachers, as investigated through expert opinions, case studies, and role-plays.

4. Capstone project work, called the Community AI Innovation Proposal, is where students will create AI solutions for real-life community challenges.

Student Engagement and Impact

Over 50 freshman students signed up for the pilot version of TEK 100, demonstrating interest in the AI literacy initiative at the University of Kentucky. Students reported using AI for projects ranging from event planning to recruitment processes, demonstrating how AI skills for non-technical students can be applied in everyday contexts.

Thé emphasised that TEK 100 is not simply a stand-alone class but is part of a strategic pipeline to prepare the workforce of the future in Kentucky. The investment is the smartest to ensure that students graduate into the world possessing the critical and creative skills needed to thrive with AI.

Future Goals and Public Interest

The UK aims to provide an AI strategy to students across all colleges. This scheme integrates AI into each of a student's majors, allowing them to obtain practical skills as well as the ethics needed with AI. An AI certificate, University of Kentucky and subsequent programs create pathways into AI learning for students of all non-CS majors at the university.

This, therefore, strengthens the Kentucky UK artificial intelligence program to be among those at the cutting edge of national AI in higher education. It aims to fulfil greater public interests by preparing a workforce for the resolution of issues in health care, education, and community development.

With TEK 100, the University of Kentucky makes clear its mission in AI education: every graduate should leave with the ability to use, critique, and innovate with AI. The course reflects how UKY is integrating AI into every major, building a foundation for sustainable growth and ensuring Kentucky remains at the forefront of the AI revolution.

Editor's Note:

The University of Kentucky is fast and deliberately moving into AI. The new TEK 100 course is a definite first step: simple, practical and open to any student. That's important in higher learning. When nearly two-thirds of universities are adopting AI guidelines and 86% of students already use AI tools, the UK's choice to teach the core skills, ethics, and real-life application seems well-timed and socially responsible. The merits of this program lie in its cooperation. TEK 100 is not a standalone project but is part of the CATS AI strategy and the AKT network that spans 17 colleges and UK HealthCare. That's a smart move: AI does not concern only computer science; it touches Art, Business, Medicine and Community Work. Teaching when, how it works, how to use it, and when to question it is the baseline. A capstone that asks students to develop an AI solution to a local problem is smart and grounded. It transforms skills into service. It also sets an important tone that AI is a tool to be employed with care and not to be misused as a shortcut. If universities wish to balance legitimacy and innovation, strong emphasis must be placed on ethics, bias, and critical consciousness.

Skoobuzz believes that the UK will have to evolve the content, assess the equity of access across all majors, and ensure continuous support for staff training. The path ahead will be clearer with explicit rules, transparent processes, and periodic evaluations to keep everyone responsible. However, with the right compass, the UK is scaling AI literacy based on a campus-wide strategy aligned with public service. That is how graduates will learn not just to exist with AI, but to comment critically, thoughtfully, and responsibly.

FAQs

1. Why has the University of Kentucky introduced an AI course?

The University of Kentucky AI course (TEK 100) was launched to help students thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. With nearly two‑thirds of universities worldwide adopting AI guidelines and 86% of students already using AI tools, the UK recognised the need to provide structured AI literacy training that prepares learners for future careers and safeguards public interest.

2. What is the UK CATS AI strategy, and how does it support students?

The UK CATS AI strategy is a campus‑wide framework that coordinates artificial intelligence work across all 17 colleges, libraries, research centres, and UK HealthCare. It ensures consistent procedures, ethical standards, and responsible use of AI in education, research, and operations. This strategy positions the UK as the “partner‑institution‑of‑choice” for advancing AI in Kentucky and strengthens the university’s role in protecting student rights and safety.

3. How will TEK 100 benefit students across different majors?

TEK 100 is designed for all students, regardless of discipline. It introduces foundational AI concepts, practical skills such as prompt engineering, and training in ethical AI usage. Students will learn to critique AI outputs, identify bias, and apply AI responsibly in their fields. This ensures that graduates from fine arts, medicine, engineering, or business leave with the ability to use AI safely and effectively

4. What impact does this initiative have on students and the wider community? 

The course builds AI skills for non‑technical students, enabling them to apply AI in everyday contexts such as event planning, healthcare, and community projects. The capstone project, Community AI Innovation Proposal, requires students to design AI solutions for real‑world problems, reinforcing the university’s commitment to public interest, safety, and social responsibility.

5. What are the wider implications of the University of Kentucky’s AI programme?

By embedding AI across disciplines, the UK strengthens the Kentucky University artificial intelligence programme and contributes to national leadership in AI in higher education. The initiative supports workforce development, healthcare innovation, and community service, aligning with broader trends in sustainable education and ethical technology adoption.

6. What future steps has the University of Kentucky planned?

Future goals include expanding access to an AI certificate at the University of Kentucky, integrating AI into every major, and developing advanced programmes through the UK Applied AI Centre and related hubs. These steps ensure transparent procedures, equitable access, and continuous improvement, preparing graduates to thrive responsibly with AI while serving the wider public interest.