STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR THE CHARLOTTE AI INSTITUTE

We are excited to announce the launch of the Charlotte AI Institute (CLTAI²) Strategic Planning Committee (SPC). We’d like to share a brief summary of the purpose of the SPC as well as our process for the coming months.

The primary goal of the SPC is to develop CLTAI²’s mission and vision statements and to deliver an aspirational, multi-year strategic plan. The plan will outline specific goals, objectives, and action steps, and will be shaped with broad community input. We aim to complete the plan by mid academic year. SPC will be led by co-directors Dr. George Banks and Dr. Stephanie Schuckers along with Dr. Sharon McDade, a Strategic Services Practice Leader. The other SPC members include Dr. Sabri Gökmen (David R. Ravin School of Architecture, COAA), Dr. Daniel Janies (Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, CCI), Dr. Taufiquar Khan (Department of Mathematics and Statistics, KCOS), Dr. Jose Martins do Outeiro (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, COEN), Dr. Pu Wang (Department of Computer Science, CCI) and Dr.Damien Williams (Department of Philosophy, CHESS/School of Data Science, CCI).

The SPC will begin with a full-day session May 15, 2025 that will focus on gathering input from a group of stakeholders from college representation, SPC members, the AI Research Council, and others. The goals are to clarify how CLTAI² can amplify and accelerate AI research across campus, explore its domain of influence, and identify the needs of researchers and the external community. Post-retreat, the SPC will rapidly synthesize mission, vision and strategic priority options to be circulated through a broader community survey. To launch the process, please share your thoughts (by May 7th) about CLTAI² direction including your interest in becoming an affiliate of the institute:

CLICK HERE to complete the short survey. We need your input! 

We appreciate your thoughtful participation and look forward to building a strong, community-informed roadmap for CLTAI²’s future.

Best regards,

John L. Daniels, Vice Chancellor for Research
Deborah (Deb) S.K. Thomas, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research