UNC Charlotte continues its statewide, regional and national leadership in integrating the use of artificial intelligence into curricular and classroom practices with the launch of the University’s AI Accelerator in Teaching and Learning.
The members of the accelerator, who represent the faculty and staff participating throughout this academic year in AI-focused professional development opportunities provided by AACU’s Institute on AI, Pedagogy and the Curriculum, will help accelerate and support course and curricular innovation in AI within and across disciplines, and foster knowledge sharing and cross-functional collaboration to support effective growth in teaching and learning using AI.
Building on the recommendations of the Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning Task Force, and capitalizing on the momentum inherent in Charlotte’s inclusion and recognition in AACU’s 2025 Institute on AI, Pedagogy and the Curriculum, Charlotte’s AI Accelerator is designed as a cross-divisional academic leadership body that will help move the broad recommendations of the AI Task Force to actionable strategies.
”The work of Charlotte’s AI Accelerator — characterized as ‘accelerating, enabling and stewarding’ — will ensure institutional strategy and emerging AI curriculum remain aligned as teaching universitywide is strengthened for 21st-century applicability. Ultimately, and most importantly, students will be equipped for success as they gain the knowledge and skills vital for future-proofing their careers.”
Jennifer Troyer
provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs
The work of the AI Accelerator addresses opportunities and challenges of AI in educational environments, specifically at UNC Charlotte. As Charlotte prepares to launch new academic programs in AI for fall 2026, the accelerator will promote partnerships, share knowledge and advance thought leadership for the campus community. In the coming months, the AI Accelerator members are available to meet with colleges and academic units for informational and listening sessions on AI-related concerns and questions
UNC Charlotte’s AI Accelerator team members are:
- Kiran Budhrani, director of teaching and learning innovation, Center for Teaching and Learning
- Justin Cary, senior lecturer of writing studies, CHESS
- Amy Kelso, senior associate general counsel, Office of Legal Affairs
- Kaela Lindquist, associate dean of students and director of student accountability and conflict resolution, Division of Student Affairs
- Cat Mahaffey, teaching professor of writing studies, CHESS
- Teresa Petty, associate provost for undergraduate education; dean, University College, Office of Undergraduate Education
- Harini Ramaprasad, associate dean for undergraduate programs and student success, CCI
- Jordan Register, instructional designer/technologist II, Center for Teaching and Learning
- Gabriel Terejanu, professor of computer science, CCI
- Catherine Tingelstad, head of instruction and curriculum engagement, J. Murrey Atkins Library
- Coral Wayland, senior associate dean for curriculum, Office of Undergraduate Education
- Leslie Zenk, associate provost and chief of staff, Office of Academic Affairs