Montana Tech Names First Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, Aims to Leverage AI Tools for Businesses Responsibly

A major milestone in the integration of artificial intelligence into higher education has been achieved by Montana Technological University. The university has appointed Professor Chad Okrusch, Ph.D., as its first chief artificial intelligence officer, a position that marks a significant step forward in the state and region.

The appointment comes at a time when emerging technologies are transforming industries and changing the landscape of higher education. As chief AI officer, Okrusch will lead Montana Tech’s strategic integration of AI across campus, ensuring students, faculty, and staff have the skills to navigate and utilize these tools responsibly.

Okrusch brings a unique combination of technical communication and philosophy expertise to his new role. His background uniquely positions him to balance AI’s technical capabilities with crucial ethical frameworks. This is essential for institutions like Montana Tech that aim to equip their graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in an increasingly complex world.

The appointment has been welcomed by Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Tim Elgren, who sees it as a proactive leadership stance taken by the university. ‘The landscape of higher education and industries our graduates enter are changing at an unprecedented pace,’ he said. By establishing this role, Montana Tech is taking steps to ensure its students are equipped with the skills needed for success in the AI era.

In his new position, Okrusch will oversee campus-wide AI adoption, ensuring that technological advancements strengthen rather than diminish the university’s core mission. He has a deep understanding of the intersection of technology and human systems, gained from 30 years of experience navigating this complex terrain.

Okrusch is no stranger to Montana Tech; he holds both a B.S. in society and technology studies and an M.S. in technical communication from the institution. His extensive background also includes leading the university’s transition into online learning in the late 1990s, as well as co-chairing the Artificial Intelligence Working Group.

As AI becomes increasingly prevalent, Okrusch emphasizes that it is not just a set of tools to be adopted but rather a disruptive sociotechnical system that requires careful consideration. His goal is to bring philosophical grounding and practical ethics to campus, ensuring that Montana Tech does not merely react to these technologies but steers them towards responsible integration.

Okrusch’s commitment to human-centered design will ensure that AI adoption aligns with the university’s core mission of teaching and learning assurance. He believes in building governance structures and institutional habits that support faculty and students while protecting the authentic, hands-on experience that defines a Montana Tech education.

The appointment is not only significant for Montana Tech but also reflects the growing importance of AI in higher education. The university will be represented on the national stage this fall as Okrusch participates in the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) inaugural AI and Higher Education Conference, where he will champion Montana Tech’s insights in areas such as academic integrity, innovation, and artificial intelligence.

Okrusch’s participation at the conference underscores the university’s commitment to shaping the future of learning. As chief AI officer, he is well-positioned to contribute to this effort, leveraging his expertise to ensure that AI tools for businesses are integrated responsibly into higher education.