Southeastern awarded $500,000 grant from state regents for AI programs

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) awarded Southeastern Oklahoma State University a grant of approximately $500,000 for Southeastern AI: Advancing Education, Efficiency, and Economic Growth as part of a multi-million dollar series of artificial intelligence grants at its meeting on December 4.

Southeastern AI is an initiative designed to integrate artificial intelligence into education, operations, and workforce development across southeastern Oklahoma. Rooted in SE's mission to serve students and strengthen the regional economy, this proposal represents a holistic approach to responsible AI adoption, in the creation of multiple AI-driven systems and spaces:

• a Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) Evaluator to ensure high-quality online learning and faculty engagement;
• a University Stress Test Tool, developed in partnership with Oklahoma company Grooper, to help leaders make data-informed decisions about enrollment, budgets, and operations;
• a two-phase internal AI system, Phase 1: AI Stargate and Phase 2: SE AI, which will allow secure, on-campus exploration of AI tools and eventually a custom-trained university model built on SE's own institutional data;
• a combined AI and Internet of Things (IoT) Lab, providing advanced computing, 3D printing, and connected technology for students, faculty, and partners to collaborate on real-world innovation; and
• a Community Engagement and Workforce Readiness program linking SE with First United Bank, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Durant to extend AI literacy and training across the region.

"We believe this project will position Southeastern Oklahoma State University as a leader among regional institutions in demonstrating how artificial intelligence can enhance learning, operations, and community engagement," said Southeastern President Dr. David Whitlock. "I strongly endorse this proposal and the dedicated faculty and staff leading this effort.

"Our faculty and administrative teams are fully prepared to implement and sustain this initiative. The University has strategically aligned its academic programs, including the integration of Computer Science and Computer Information Systems into the John Massey School of Business, to create an environment where innovation, data driven decision making, and applied learning thrive together."

Campus leaders on the proposal and its ensuing implementation are Dr. Eric Kennedy, chair of the department of Management and Marketing and interim chair of the department of Accounting and Finance; Dr. Arthur Tran, assistant professor of finance; Dr. Ming-Shan Su, professor of computer science; Dr. Lie Qian, professor of computer science; chief information officer Austin Harman; Alisha Ridenour, assistant director of the Center for Instructional Development and Technology; and Mark Bisson, vice president for business affairs and Chief Financial Officer.

"Blazing the trail, our public higher education system was the first in the country to establish a statewide committee focused on AI impacts in higher education," said Chancellor Sean Burrage. "This investment reinforces our role as a national leader in AI integration to produce the skilled graduates required to meet current and future AI workforce needs."

"Providing these 'seed money' grants for comprehensive AI-driven projects represents a bold step to position state system colleges and universities to maximize the impact and sustainability of AI applications in higher education," said State Regents' chair Courtney Warmington. "By investing in technology innovations today, we are preparing our campuses and the students they serve for new workplace frontiers tomorrow."

The Innovations with AI Program aligns directly with goals outlined in the State Regents' Blueprint 2030 strategic plan, specifically focusing on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance educational outcomes, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making across the state system. Grant awards will be distributed in equal allocations over two fiscal years, contingent on annual availability of funds. Southeastern is one of seven state institutions receiving a grant, with OSRHE awarding a total of $3.4 million dollars in grants.

Local Leaders Endorse Project

Martin Tucker, Mayor of the City of Durant

"The proposed AI Lab within the John Massey School of Business will create a powerful intersection between education, technology, and economic development. By equipping the lab with a high-capacity AI supercomputer, 10 AI-enabled workstations, and advanced multi-color 3D printers, Southeastern is positioning Durant as a hub for innovation and workforce development. The lab's collaborative model, where students, faculty, and local businesses work together on real-world projects will not only enhance academic learning but also strengthen our local economy and the pipeline of talent for area employers."

Kara Byrd, CEO of the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce

"The proposed 'stress test' tool for higher education has far-reaching implications for both the Chamber and the broader business community. The ability to forecast economic impacts related to SE enrollment and population changes will provide valuable insights for local business planning and development."

David Ledford, Chief Information Officer for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

"Developing strategies and tools to proactively educate and train both the current and future workforce, establishing a dedicated AI space on SE's campus that will be accessible to students and the broader community, and exploring ways to integrate CNO departments beyond IT, such as Chahtapreneur, Construction, and Tribal Member Services, into a comprehensive regional AI ecosystem … represents a future-focused opportunity to enhance the University's agility in meeting the evolving needs of students, industry, and our region."

Melissa Perrin, Executive Vice President and Chief Culture and Communications Officer of First United Bank

"First United Bank currently integrates AI in three key areas: process improvement, user experience, and leadership development. Focusing on these domains allows the Bank to see greater efficiencies, increase engagement, and develop strategic leaders. These areas reflect the kind of applied learning and strategic innovation SE seeks to foster through its initiative. First United Bank recognizes the transformative potential of SE's Innovations in AI proposal and fully supports its purpose to empower students, expand workforce capabilities, and strengthen communities across southeastern Oklahoma."