New programs put ethics, human dignity, and real-world impact at the center of AI education.
Hamburg, NY | February 10, 2026 — Hilbert College has launched its Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence (IAAI), a humanities-based initiative designed to prepare students and working professionals to use artificial intelligence thoughtfully and effectively in an AI-driven world.
Rooted in Hilbert’s Franciscan values, the Institute emphasizes human dignity, critical thinking, and service, positioning AI as a tool that supports people and communities rather than replaces them. The Institute includes a six-week Applied Artificial Intelligence micro-credential for working professionals, led by Anthony DeSimone, AI Specialist, CPA, and CEO of You’re the Expert Now, and a new AI and Society minor available to undergraduate students across all academic programs.
“Artificial intelligence is not an end-to-end solution. It is a powerful tool that depends on human judgment, leadership, ethics, and creativity to be used wisely and well. At Hilbert, we are helping both students and working professionals not just understand AI, but develop the skills to prompt it, shape it, apply it, and lead with it in ways that serve people, benefit businesses, and strengthen communities,” said Michael R. Cornell, Interim President of Hilbert College. “Through the Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence and our unique partnership with Tony DeSimone, we are ensuring all who learn at Hilbert College are ready to lead in a world transformed by AI.”
Faculty leaders say the Institute is the first of its kind in the country to combine a humanities-centered curriculum with applied AI education for both working professionals and undergraduates. It was created in response to growing student concern about the future of work and rising employer demand for graduates who can apply AI responsibly. Hilbert’s approach is human-centered and applied, emphasizing decision-making, ethical judgment, and practical implementation across industries, creative work, and public service.
Students gain hands-on experience through internships, employer-driven projects, and problem-based learning. They use leading AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude under faculty guidance, applying these technologies to real-world challenges in workplaces, communities, and creative fields.
Ethical leadership is central to the Institute’s mission. Through the minor, students examine the full scope of artificial intelligence’s societal impact, including issues of copyright and originality, regulatory and policy considerations, and environmental consequences. This foundation equips students to make informed decisions that place people and communities first. Students then put these principles into practice through real-world projects, applying AI tools responsibly across workplaces, creative industries, and community initiatives. At its core, ethical leadership means building trust and meaningful relationships through open, transparent conversations about how and why AI is used.
“What role do humans play in an AI-driven world?” said Dr. Megan Witzleben, Chair of the Division of Arts & Letters at Hilbert. “At Hilbert, the answer is clear: human judgment and critical thinking bring integrity to each endeavor.”
“Much of AI education comes out of computer science programs and focuses on coding,” said Jon Sullivan, intelligence professional and faculty member. “Our program is different. It’s human-centered and application-focused; an end-user program. Students learn practical skills that employers value, from workflow streamlining and data triage to data mining and analysis. The Institute combines applied AI with a humanities-based approach to prepare students to use AI responsibly in real-world settings.”
“Students will learn how to write, think, and question,” Witzleben added. “AI supports that work. It does not replace it.”
The Hilbert College Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence prepares students and professionals to navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape with confidence, creativity, and conscience. Graduates leave with the skills to use AI responsibly, solve real-world problems, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Applied AI Micro-Credential
On-Campus
The Applied Artificial Intelligence 6-week micro-credential for working professionals, led by Anthony DeSimone, AI Specialist, CPA, and CEO of You’re the Expert Now, is designed for those who want to fully understand the tools and capabilities of ChatGPT and related AI technologies. Participants accelerate their learning through practical, hands-on application and earn a credible micro-credential that signals real-world AI competence, providing a meaningful advantage in the workplace and a clear step up on a resume.
Offered on Wednesdays from 4 – 6 pm
AI & Society Minor
Students interested in the AI and Society minor are encouraged to inquire with Hilbert’s admissions team to learn how the program can complement any major and prepare graduates to engage thoughtfully with artificial intelligence in the workplace and beyond.
