AI for Human Flourishing

Artificial intelligence is changing what is possible in education and beyond. But at Wake Forest, an equally important question is what it means for people. How can we use AI to expand what we can learn and create while preserving the judgment, curiosity and human relationships at the heart of a Wake Forest education?

Rooted in Pro Humanitate, AI for Human Flourishing is Wake Forest’s university-wide initiative to explore these questions and help shape our approach to AI. Led by William Fleeson, Associate Provost for AI Initiatives, in partnership with the AI Task Force, the initiative combines institutional strategy with three pilot programs during the 2026–27 academic year.

What makes our approach different?

Building AI skills, establishing clear guidance and using technology effectively are important parts of any university’s approach to AI. At Wake Forest, we’re asking an additional question: Not only what can AI do, but what does using AI do to us?

Two ideas help guide this work:

Generative ethics. Beyond preventing harm, we consider how using AI shapes the people we become. Does it strengthen our judgment, curiosity and capabilities, or diminish them? How can we use AI to cultivate the qualities we value most?

AI as a mirror. By exploring where AI resembles human intelligence and where it differs, we gain new perspectives on how we think, learn and create—and what makes us distinctly human.

These ideas are rooted in Wake Forest’s liberal arts tradition and our commitment to Pro Humanitate. They are part of six proposed guiding principles that will help inform the University’s evolving approach to AI.

“Our goal is not simply to adopt new technology. It’s to develop an approach that reflects Wake Forest’s mission—using AI where it enhances teaching, learning, research and our daily work, while ensuring that human judgment, curiosity, creativity and meaningful relationships remain at the center of the Wake Forest experience.”

William Fleeson, Associate Provost for AI Initiatives

An Institutional Strategy and Three Pilot Initiatives

AI for Human Flourishing brings together a university-wide strategy and three pilot initiatives supported by the Office of the Provost. Each contributes to a shared goal: understanding how AI can advance human flourishing while strengthening Wake Forest’s mission of teaching, research and service.

Institutional Strategy: Building a Shared Approach

The Office of the Provost and AI Task Force are developing a long-term approach to AI informed by six guiding principles and shaped through campus engagement. This work includes departmental AI statements and designated AI leads, town halls, departmental discussions and an annual survey of campus attitudes toward AI.

These conversations will help ensure that Wake Forest’s approach reflects the experiences, questions and perspectives of our community.

Pilot Initiatives

Help Shape What’s Next

AI for Human Flourishing is an evolving initiative, and the perspectives of our community are essential to its success. Throughout the academic year, faculty, staff and students will have opportunities to contribute through town halls, departmental discussions and other campus conversations.

Whether you’re enthusiastic about AI’s possibilities, concerned about its implications or still deciding what to think, your perspective matters. Together, we can help shape an approach to AI that reflects Wake Forest’s values and puts people first.