Embracing Digital Transformation and Emerging Technologies

GOAL 6

Accelerate research, strengthen student success, modernize operations and extend Oklahoma State University’s reach across Oklahoma through systemwide data fluency and artificial intelligence competency.

Oklahoma State University’s land-grant mission calls us to prepare students for the world they will enter while ensuring our institution evolves to meet the needs of the people we serve. Emerging technologies are reshaping industries, accelerating research and changing how communities connect. Artificial intelligence is the most visible expression of this transformation today, but it is only one chapter in a broader shift driven by data, automation and emerging digital capabilities. The institutions that will lead in the decades ahead will not simply adopt new tools but will build the culture, capacity and adaptability to respond effectively to continuous change.

For OSU, digital transformation is about strengthening our ability to serve students, researchers, communities and the state of Oklahoma in ways that make the university more essential in a rapidly evolving world. Emerging technologies also create new opportunities to advance OSU’s teaching, research and Extension mission. Technology can help OSU operate more effectively while keeping people at the center of every decision.

OSU’s approach to artificial intelligence will be grounded in human-centered principles that prioritize learning, creativity, ethical responsibility and meaningful human connection rather than replacing the expertise and relationships that define the university experience.

Guided by transparency, accountability and the public good, OSU embraces innovation in ways that expand opportunity, strengthen trust and reinforce the university’s statewide mission and impact.

OBJECTIVE 1 

Establish a systemwide data and emerging technology fluency framework with role-differentiated training pathways and embedded curricular competencies that prepare students, faculty and staff for an AI-enabled future.

Key Performance Indicators 

• Increase the percentage of personnel completing role-tiered training by group
• Increase the number of discipline-specific certification pathways available across colleges
• Increase academic programs with documented data or AI competency integration

OBJECTIVE 2 

Implement a trusted data and AI governance structure with clear roles, accountability mechanisms and systemwide access to institutional data and analytical tools.

Key Performance Indicators and Tasks 

• Percentage of data assets with named owner and steward
• Improve unique users accessing institutional data tools and dashboards
• Number of core datasets with documented data dictionaries and quality standards
• Data access parity score across branch campuses and Extension offices
• Establish a data governance structure with a system of checks and balances for accountability on an annual basis

OBJECTIVE 3 

Deploy AI-enhanced tools to assist advising, early alerts and student support to measurably improve persistence and graduation outcomes.

Key Performance Indicators 

• Increase advisor adoption rate of AI-enhanced tools
• Expand the use of early alerts and six-week grade submissions beyond lower division

OBJECTIVE 4 

Scale responsible and ethical AI adoption across academic programs, institutional operations, research workflows and Extension partnerships to achieve measurable efficiency gains and extend OSU’s impact across all 77 Oklahoma counties.

Key Performance Indicators 

• Improve efficiencies in units using an OSU-approved AI tool
• Document and improve research workflows through the responsible use of AI
• Number of Oklahoma entities reporting improved outcomes from OSU Extension AI/data partnerships