The University of Iowa has named six additional Provost AI Fellows, who will develop and teach courses for the undergraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence. Launching in fall 2026, the certificate will equip students with a strong foundation in AI, including its capabilities, limitations, and ethical implications, paired with hands-on experience using AI tools.
The Provost AI Fellows receive funding to develop their courses and meet regularly to discuss certificate goals, share course progress, and collaborate on continuous improvement of AI education at Iowa.
In spring 2026, 61 students enrolled in Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals, the core introductory course required for the certificate. Students have also been invited to complete an interest form if they would like to add the certificate when it becomes available this fall.
“AI literacy is quickly becoming a fundamental expectation in today’s workforce,” says Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost. “This certificate prepares our students to effectively leverage AI on the job while strengthening the analytical thinking and communication skills that set Iowa graduates apart.”
Development of the certificate was supported by the AI in Undergraduate Education P3 project, which was awarded $195,000 over three years. Ten UI faculty were named Provost AI Fellows following the first call for course proposals last year.
Provost AI Fellows
- Alaa AlBashayreh, assistant professor, College of Nursing
Health Care Analytics and AI for Better Patient Outcomes introduces students to major AI and machine learning applications in health care through real-world decision-making scenarios. - Micah Bateman, assistant professor, School of Library and Information Science Writing with Intelligence: AI and Human Creativity will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping writing, creativity, and authorship. The course introduces AI through creative writing, cultural inquiry, and critical reflection on responsible use.
- Stephen Cummings, clinical associate professor, School of Social Work
Ethical AI Use in Social Service Practice provides students with actionable insight into social service engagement in the age of growing AI practice. - Daniel Fine, associate professor, digital media in performance
Reflections in the Machine: Generating the Self through AI, Art, and Performance teaches students to ethically harness the power of generative AI to produce self-portraits in a variety of artistic mediums (theatre, dance, cinema, photography, animation, music, writing, etc.). - Patrick Johanns, associate professor of instruction, business analytics
AI in Business demonstrates how artificial intelligence is used in organizations, with an emphasis on responsible adoption, informed judgment, and real-world decision-making. - Jenifer Vick, associate professor of instruction, School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Artificial Intelligence for Social Impact emphasizes real-world applications of AI in nonprofit and social impact work, including fundraising and donor engagement, communications and storytelling, program evaluation, community outreach, and organizational decision-making.
For a full list of certificate requirements and course offerings, visit the AI Certificate page.