AI Stewardship
Advancing responsible AI for teaching, research, administration and service
Artificial intelligence is changing how we learn, teach, conduct research and serve our communities. K-State is committed to helping students, faculty and staff use AI confidently, responsibly and effectively, while protecting university data, maintaining academic integrity and keeping human judgment at the center.
Committee Charge
The University AI Stewardship Committee is K-State’s standing body responsible for guiding the responsible adoption and oversight of AI across teaching, research, administration and service. Reporting to the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, the committee builds on the work of the 2025–2026 AI Task Force by developing guidance, reviewing AI tools and pilots, assessing risks and opportunities, and recommending university wide AI investments and uses within existing approval, procurement and data-governance processes.
Guiding Principles
The committee's work shall be guided by the principles established in the Task Force report:
- Human accountability remains paramount; AI should augment, not replace, human judgment.
- Transparency in AI use and decision-making is essential.
- Governance should be sustainable, scalable, and integrated into existing institutional processes.
- Equity, accessibility, and responsible use must remain central considerations.
- AI adoption should advance Kansas State University's mission as a next-generation land-grant institution.
The committee is committed to supporting innovation while ensuring appropriate governance, security, compliance, and stewardship of university resources and data.
Scope and Responsibilities
Develop university-wide policies, standards and practical guidance that help the K-State community use AI responsibly and effectively.
Support AI literacy, training and professional development so faculty, staff and students can make informed decisions and use AI with confidence.
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- July 27 Meeting Minutes (PDF)
| Name | Position | College/Division |
|---|---|---|
| James Wiser | Dean | K-State Libraries |
| Thomas Bunton | Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer | Division of Information Technology |
| Kim LeCompte | Assistant Vice President, HR Talent Strategy and Engagement | Human Resources |
| Bin Ning | Associate Provost and Chief Data Officer | Data, Assessment, and Institutional Research |
| Mollie Robbins-Wint | Executive Director, Office of Sponsored Programs; transitioning to Associate Vice President for Research Computing in fall 2026 | Office of the Vice President for Research |
| Karen Goos | Vice Provost for Enrollment Management | Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President |
| Margaret Mohr-Schroeder | Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Innovation | Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President |
| Shelby Grau | Associate General Counsel | Office of General Counsel |
| Bill Watts | Associate Vice President for Academic and Career Engagement | Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs |
| Melanie Derby | Professor and Dr. Charles E. Wilson Chair in Engineering, Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering | Faculty Representative |
| Fran Willbrant | Associate Vice President, Division of Financial Services | Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance |
| Phil Vardiman | Faculty Senate Representative | Faculty Senate |
| Brad Cunningham | Faculty Senate Representative | Faculty Senate |
| Christian Peña | Student Body President | Student Governing Association |
| Andrew Purviance | Associate Vice President for Marketing Strategy | Division of Communications and Marketing |
The committee shall operate through a two-tier governance structure:
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee serves as the primary governance body and is responsible for:
- Policy development and review.
- Strategic priorities and recommendations.
- Approval of committee recommendations.
- Oversight of institutional AI governance activities.
- Coordination among subcommittees.
- Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President.
Operational Subcommittees
Operational subcommittees may be established as needed to address specific functional areas, including:
- Cybersecurity and Risk Management
- Data Governance and Records Management
- Training and AI Literacy
- Research Applications and Compliance
- Administrative and Operational Workflows
- Additional areas as identified by the Steering Committee
Operational subcommittees shall review issues within their areas of responsibility and provide recommendations to the Steering Committee for consideration and action.
The work of the AI Stewardship Committee directly advances Kansas State University's Next-Gen Strategic Plan, particularly Imperative 5, and supports the university's commitment to operational excellence, responsible innovation, and the principles of One K-State.