Wendy Hensel Advocates for AI and Data Analytics at UH-Hilo Forum
HILO, HAWAII – On Tuesday, Wendy Hensel, one of the two finalists for the University of Hawaii system president position, articulated her vision of leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance educational outcomes and student preparedness during a public forum at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Hensel, who is currently the executive vice chancellor and university provost at the City University of New York (CUNY), emphasised the transformative potential of AI, equating its impact to that of electricity in the modern age. “AI is the new electricity,” Hensel declared, underscoring the significant demand among employers for skills in AI and technology. She proposed that integrating AI and data analytics into the university's curriculum could not only boost student engagement but also equip students with essential skills for the job market.
The University of Hawaii's Board of Regents is currently considering Hensel, alongside another finalist, for the role of university president, a position soon to be vacated by David Lassner. Hensel's background in administering academic programmes at CUNY lends weight to her advocacy for incorporating advanced technology into educational frameworks.
During the forum, held at UH-Hilo, Hensel fielded questions from university faculty, students, and community members, providing insights into her strategic vision for the university's future should she be appointed president. She highlighted the critical role that technology could play in adapting to ever-evolving educational demands and labour market trends.
Hensel's remarks reflected a forward-thinking approach, aiming to align the University of Hawaii with emerging technological advancements to better prepare students for increasingly digital workplaces. The Board of Regents is expected to make their decision in the coming weeks, which will determine the university system's direction under new leadership.
The public forum showcased Hensel's commitment to innovation in higher education, signalling a potential shift towards a more technology-driven educational environment at the University of Hawaii.
Source: Noah Wire Services