Saturday, June 13, 2026
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Monday, February 23, 2026
UW-Parkside launches artificial intelligence fluency initiative
Ryan Patterson
SOMERS — The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is starting an initiative to help students, faculty and staff become fluent in artificial intelligence by 2028.
The university plans to integrate artificial intelligence into curriculum and campus operations to prepare graduates for the workforce through partnerships with companies including Microsoft and Ordify AI.
Mike Egan, Microsoft TechSpark general manager, said in a news release that the initiative “shows how institutions can prepare students to use AI responsibly and effectively, strengthening both the workforce and the regional economy.”
The university defines AI fluency as the ability to use AI tools critically, ethically and effectively, according to the release.
It also means discerning when these tools add value and when they do not. The initiative aims to ensure that human judgment remains the final authority.
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"Artificial intelligence isn't an appropriate substitute for learning; it is a tool,” said Matt Cecil, Parkside interim provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, in the release. “At UW-Parkside, we are committed to leveraging these tools where they make sense to advance teaching and learning and enhance the efficiency of our organization.”
As part of the initiative, the university is establishing an AI fluency task force. The group will recommend policies, design professional development programs, identify best practices for classroom integration and recommend training to ensure that students graduate with a competitive edge.
"Equipping our students and workforce with AI fluency directly invests in the economic vitality of Southeastern Wisconsin," Chancellor Lynn Akey said in the release. "By training our graduates to use AI ethically and effectively, we provide regional employers with the high-level talent they need to remain competitive. This initiative extends our mission to serve as a catalyst for growth, ensuring our region leads technological shifts with integrity and vision."
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Saturday, December 27, 2025
UW-Parkside partners with AI company to help students and businesses
Ryan Patterson
SOMERS — The University of Wisconsin-Parkside has formed a partnership with an artificial intelligence company to give students hands-on experience and help businesses.busine
The college recently announced that it is collaborating with Ordify AI to prepare students for AI careers and work with businesses on AI solutions.
The initiative is set to start in the spring semester, which begins Jan. 28.
Work with local businesses is scheduled to start in summer 2026, according to a news release.
Guided by UW-Parkside faculty, students, including those in the college’s App Factory, will create custom AI agents to address business problems and create AI solutions.
Steve Donovan, UW-Parkside executive director for Parkside Works, said in the release that the partnership “represents the future of applied learning.”
“Students involved in the program will gain invaluable practical skills, including client-facing AI development, solution architecture and proposal writing, equipping them with the essential soft skills needed to thrive in this new AI age,” he said.
Local businesses can then use Ordify's no-code AI platform.
Roger Lam, Ordify AI CEO/founder, said in the release that the company is excited about the partnership.
"Our no-code platform, combined with the fresh perspectives and technical expertise of UW-Parkside students, will deliver powerful, cost-effective AI solutions that can truly transform businesses by automating complex processes and enhancing operational efficiency,” he said.
The alliance was brought together by the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, a regional innovation hub.
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Kelly Armstrong, Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood president, said in the release that the partnership “represents exactly the kind of innovative result KIN was created to foster.”
“By connecting UW-Parkside students with Ordify AI, we’re building a pipeline of AI-enabled talent while helping businesses solve real problems,” she said.
Businesses interested in participating can contact Donovan at parksideworks@uwp.edu.
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