UK launches campus-wide artificial intelligence initiative

University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto today announced the launch of CATS AI, an initiative designed to coordinate and advance artificial intelligence efforts and expertise across the UK campus and throughout the Commonwealth.

About CATS AI

CATS (Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy) AI will serve as a central hub to integrate AI activities across UK’s 17 colleges, libraries, research centers and institutes, as well as its academic and health care enterprises.

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping our world — expanding access to information, transforming workplaces, reimagining research and innovation, and revolutionizing health care,” Capilouto said. “At the University of Kentucky, we are committed to becoming an AI university — where AI enhances how we teach, learn, research, heal and serve the Commonwealth.”

Goals and impact

The initiative builds on a recent resolution by the UK Board of Trustees, charging the university to become Kentucky’s “partner of choice” for the responsible use and expansion of AI. CATS AI will leverage AI to advance UK’s mission of improving health and well-being through the Advancing Kentucky Together (AKT) Network.

To do this, CATS AI will support a range of efforts, including:

• AI literacy, training and tools for all UK employees to improve workplace efficiency. 

• AI-enabled resources for students, including academic support tools and exploration opportunities. 

• Potential development of an AI-themed residence hall. 

• Health care innovation through expanded use of ambient listening tools and improved rural access to care. 

• Enhanced research collaboration using digital discovery platforms and advanced computing infrastructure. 

“AI is changing every part of our economy, and Kentucky must guide that change responsibly and purposefully. The University of Kentucky’s CATS AI initiative gives our commonwealth a partner that can help us prepare students, support workers and modernize services in a way that strengthens public trust of this rapidly advancing technology,” said state Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe. “As co-chair of the AI Task Force, I’m encouraged to see our higher-education institutions stepping up to lead in this moment. This will prove a positive example of how to utilize and integrate AI, and it will prepare future members of the workforce on how to make the most of it in a beneficial way.”

“Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword. It is a transformative tool that is reshaping how we live, work and deliver care,” said state Rep. Josh Bray, who is co-chair of the state’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force. “The University of Kentucky’s CATS AI initiative will help ensure Kentucky leads in the responsible use of AI, from improving health care access in rural communities to advancing research, education and workforce training. I appreciate UK taking this forward-looking approach that keeps innovation grounded in service to people and progress for our Commonwealth.”

Governance and leadership

A steering committee of university leaders will oversee five subcommittees focused on education, research, student experience, health care and workplace administration. Initially, the CATS AI hub will be led by interim co-directors Ian McClure, UK vice president for innovation, and Heath Price, associate vice president for partnerships. A search for a permanent director will begin soon.

“This is an inflection point to lead, just as those who came before us did when they created institutions to respond to transformative technologies,” Capilouto said. “This is our moment to ensure Kentucky not only keeps pace with change but helps shape it.”