By Kelly Stenka
Encouraging the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the hallowed halls of academia is what many would consider taboo, yet AI has become an integral part of students' and faculty’s daily lives. But what if educators and students work in tandem to embrace AI, harness its potential, and use it to solve unique challenges in the field of education? This was the vision behind Dr. Charlena Miller’s innovative perspective that seeks to shift the narrative on AI in the field of business education.
Dr. Charlena Miller, the Assistant Professor of Management at Doane University, designed a curriculum to challenge the conventional thinking surrounding AI. Recognizing the stigma around its use in education, where students are often reprimanded for incorporating AI into their work, Miller offers a forward-thinking perspective. “I wanted to eliminate the idea that it’s about cheating,” she explained. “We need to elevate the conversation. We have a responsibility to prepare our students to lead in generative AI development, ethics, policy, and application. To do that, we need to approach AI with a growth mindset — just as we expect our students to have.”
Miller incorporates generative AI into her business students’ coursework, giving them early exposure to cutting-edge technologies. As part of their capstone experience, each student collaborates with a Doane faculty member “client.” The process begins with a discovery meeting, where the faculty member shares administrative challenges or pain points they face. The student then works with Dr. Miller and the faculty client to identify a use case with appropriate scope and takes on the challenging task of designing an AI tool tailored to address the issue. This approach not only provides practical solutions for faculty, but also allows them to witness AI being used positively by students. The project fosters a hands-on, innovative learning environment, empowering students to tackle real-world problems by harnessing emerging technology.
“Students need to lead the future, not be afraid of it,” Miller said. “We have an opportunity to design the future together collectively from a human-centered perspective. Doane’s foundation in the liberal arts and humanities provides the critical skills to develop and use technology responsibly to improve people’s lives and communities.”
Miller’s dedication ensures her students gain invaluable experience in ethical AI application. Serving as a member of an AI Leadership Council with educators and industry professionals from across Canada and the U.S. fosters pioneering work and thought leadership, which she leverages to ensure her students are equipped to lead in a tech-driven future.
To tie a bow on this course, Miller organized the first-ever AI Student Showcase, providing students an opportunity to present their projects to the Doane community and the broader public, including industry professionals. One of Miller’s students, Maci McCarter ’24, demonstrated "Boost 356,” an AI tool she developed that is designed to enhance student preparedness and engagement during class, a challenge that was identified through conversations with her paired faculty member, Professor Kathleen Zumpfe. Boost 356 assists with clarifying assignments and refining discussion questions without compromising academic integrity. It also transforms lengthy documents into podcasts, making information more accessible and efficient, while upholding ethical AI use.
“The AI doesn’t write papers or approve negative language. It’s about providing support and improving the overall learning experience,” McCarter said. Her project highlights how AI can complement education, offering solutions to enhance productivity and communication.
The AI Student Showcase caught the attention of forward-thinkers outside the Doane community as well. Rich Teel, Innovations Senior Specialist from the engineering firm, Olsson, attended the AI project showcase to witness the innovative work firsthand. “We’re very active in creating an innovation department, looking at opportunities to evaluate ideas generated both within our company and from outside,” Teel shared. “For me, attending these showcases is about learning more about what’s going on at Doane. We like to keep an eye out for talent—people who are intelligent, collaborative, and eager to learn. That’s the kind of thing we’re looking for.”
Dr. Miller’s initiative has not only prepared her students to navigate a world increasingly shaped by AI but also inspired educators and industry leaders to rethink the role of emerging technologies in shaping the future. The integration of generative AI was well received in the 8-week undergraduate course, and beginning in fall 2025, the course will be offered over a full 16-week term.
During the fall of 2024, Miller worked with faculty from several academic disciplines to explore the future of AI at Doane. This interdisciplinary collaboration is ongoing and emphasizes the essential foundation of liberal arts competencies in the responsible development and adoption of emerging technologies, including, but not limited to AI.
As a liberal arts institution, Doane University emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, and Dr. Miller’s approach is a prime example of this philosophy in action. Her work with students not only focuses on AI as a critical topic, but also demonstrates its applicability across numerous fields and industries. This well-rounded approach ensures that students' futures are unlimited. They are prepared for specialized careers while being equipped with the adaptability and human-centered leadership that organizations and communities need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
