Committee

Two specialized working groups will complement the steering committee's work: one focused on academic opportunities and challenges, and another examining administrative applications. Each group includes faculty, staff, and student representatives to ensure diverse perspectives as we navigate AI's rapid evolution in higher education.

Steering Committee

Kevin Gaugler (co-chair), Professor of Spanish/Assistant Dean, School of Liberal Arts
Diane Hart (co-chair), Associate Vice President of Special Projects and Innovation
Haseeb Arroon, Director of Institutional Data, Research, and Planning
Ron Buckmire, Dean, School of Computer Science and Mathematics
Mike Caputo, Vice President of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer
Catherine Gunther Kodat, Provost and Dean of Faculty
Carolyn Matheus, Professor of Information Systems
Jeff Midgley, Physician Assistant Program Director/Clinical Associate Professor
Daryl Richard, Vice President of Communications and Marketing

Academic Working Group

The Academic Working Group, which includes faculty from each academic school, examines how AI can enhance teaching, learning, and research. The group will engage with the Marist community to understand perceptions, current use, and needs related to AI in academics, and identify best practices for generative AI. They will develop guidelines for responsible AI use in academic settings and contribute ideas to the multi-year vision for AI at Marist + AI, ensuring that these initiatives align with the college's commitment to academic vibrancy and student-centered learning. With input from the library for research support, educational assessment experts for evaluating learning outcomes, and digital learning platforms for implementing AI-driven tools, the group will assess AI's impact on academic practices and propose strategies for integrating AI into the curriculum. Their goal is to support faculty in adopting AI technologies, prepare students for a future shaped by AI, and ensure that these efforts uphold Marist's educational values. 

Carolyn Matheus (co-chair), Professor of Information Systems
Jeff Midgley (co-chair), Physician Assistant Program Director/Clinical Associate Professor
Rebecca Albitz, Dean, James A. Cannavino Library
Anna Blumenthal, Assistant Professor of Psychology
DooRi Chung, Senior Professional Lecturer of Fashion Design
Victoria Ferrara, Director of Educational Effectiveness Assessment
 Eitel Lauria, Professor of Data Science & Information Systems/ Director of Graduate Programs
Cara Messina, Assistant Professor of English
Julin Sharp, Assistant Vice President, Digital Learning Platforms & Technology
Owen Whelan '27, Student Representative
Anne Zahradnik, Associate Professor of Healthcare Administration

Operations Working Group

The Operations Working Group focuses on the administrative and operational integration of Marist + AI. This team includes representatives from enrollment services, infrastructure and cybersecurity, data science and analytics, human resources, enterprise solutions, and legal counsel. The group will audit current AI capabilities, uses, and expenditures in college operations, identifying areas with potential for AI integration. These efforts will inform Marist's operational strategy and lead to the development of guidelines for responsible AI use in administrative processes and the workplace. They will also recommend AI sandbox solutions and provide a proof-of-concept implementation strategy for staff training, while contributing to the multi-year vision for AI at Marist + AI. By implementing AI in a strategic and ethical manner, with careful consideration of potential impacts and ongoing evaluation, this group aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of college operations while ensuring data privacy and security are maintained. 

Haseeb Arroon (co-chair), Director of Institutional Data, Research, and Planning
Mike Caputo (co-chair), Vice President of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer
Eileen Bardney, Executive Director of Enrollment Services
Jay DeDapper, Director of Strategy and Innovation
Brian Gormanly, Senior Professional Lecturer of Computer Science
Jessica Macias, Senior Financial Analyst - Budget, Planning, and Analysis
 JP Montross, Director of Infrastructure and Cybersecurity
Ed Presutti, Director of Data Science and Analytics
David Roberts, HRIS Manager
Peggy Roush, Assistant Vice President, Enterprise Solutions Group
Christian Sarmiento '25, Student Representative
Richie Williams, Assistant General Counsel