FAMU Provost Watson Establishes AI Council and R1 Task Force to Strengthen Research, Innovation, and Student Success

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—In a decisive step toward advancing Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) strategic priorities, Provost Allyson L. Watson has established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisory Council and a Carnegie Research 1 (R1) Task Force. Both initiatives underscore FAMU’s commitment to preparing students for emerging workforce demands and to positioning the University as a leader in high-impact research.

AI Advisory Council

“Innovation at FAMU begins with cultivating a future-ready mindset in our students and supporting groundbreaking research among our faculty,” said Provost Watson. “The AI Council will ensure that our approach to AI is forward-thinking, ethical, and beneficial to society at large.”

The AI Advisory Council will play a pivotal role in assessing the integration of AI across academic disciplines and campus-wide programs. Bringing together faculty experts, staff, and student representatives, the council is charged with identifying opportunities to enhance student training in AI, fostering faculty research collaboration, and promoting ethical, equity-focused AI practices.

Desmond Stephens, Ph.D., assistant provost for Faculty Development, Teaching, and Innovation, will chair the 20-member council. He has been at the forefront of engaging faculty and students in campuswide AI initiatives through the FAMU Teaching & Learning Center.

“AI is transforming every aspect of our world,” said Stephens. “It is essential that our students and faculty are prepared to lead in this new landscape that is already having profound impacts in and outside of the classroom.”

R1 Task Force

Simultaneously, the newly established R1 Task Force will focus on aligning FAMU’s research infrastructure, faculty support, and graduate programs with the benchmarks required to achieve Carnegie R1 classification, a distinction for institutions recognized for the highest level of research activity.

The R1 Task Force is co-chaired by Provost Watson and Michael Abazinge, Ph.D., associate provost and dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, with lead advising from Vice President of Research Charles Weatherford, Ph.D. The task force aims to increase research funding, expand doctoral programs, and foster industry collaborations that support faculty research.

“As we work toward achieving R1 status, we are committed to advancing not only FAMU’s research profile but also ensuring our research enhances our doctoral programs while directly addressing the critical issues facing our communities and society,” said Dr. Abazinge.

Both the AI Advisory Council and the R1Task Force are expected to deliver initial reports and recommendations within the next year, setting the foundation for FAMU’s journey toward more significant institutional distinction and broader societal impact.

For more information about strategic initiatives within the Office of the Provost, contact Deidre P. Williams, director of communications.

About the FAMU Office of the Provost

The Office of the Provost at Florida A&M University drives academic excellence and innovation, advancing the university’s mission to empower students through transformative education and research. Committed to fostering student success, impactful research, and a thriving academic community, the office leads strategic initiatives that elevate FAMU’s national and global standing. The Office of the Provost shapes an environment where students, faculty, and academic staff can excel and make a lasting impact through dedicated partnerships, a focus on academic rigor, and forward-thinking leadership.

 

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