Smithfield, RI—Bryant University has been awarded a $426,623 grant by the Davis Educational Foundation to leverage generative artificial intelligence (AI) to support academic success and persistence, with an emphasis on first-year students.
“Bryant University is committed to preparing today’s students to become the impactful leaders of tomorrow,” says Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “We know that artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way we work and, as a leader in higher education, it is our responsibility to equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the increasingly AI-driven world. Thanks to the Davis Educational Foundation, our graduates will continue to be well prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
The grant will strengthen the integration of AI tools into Bryant’s Impact Core general education curriculum, ensuring students are introduced to the practical and ethical uses of AI at the start of their higher education journey. It will also enable faculty to support diverse learning needs at scale.
“AI is reshaping the higher education landscape, fundamentally changing how we teach and learn, and Bryant is at the forefront of that transformation,” says Provost and Chief Academic Officer Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D. “This grant will build on our interdisciplinary approach to AI, further integrating it across our curriculum by providing scalable, tailored tutoring for our general education courses while providing comprehensive training to faculty to effectively integrate AI into their teaching.”
Associate Provost Wendy Samter, Ph.D., and Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) Director Terri Hasseler, Ph.D., developed the grant proposal and will lead implementation efforts across Academic Affairs.
“The first-year experience is critical to student success, especially as students enter college with varying levels of academic preparation,” says Samter. “AI-powered tutoring tools can be customized to individual learning styles, providing timely feedback and reinforcing essential skills—ultimately improving student engagement and learning outcomes.”
As part of the three-year grant, Bryant will establish a Departmental AI Faculty Fellows program within the CTE. Fellows will receive hands-on professional development, implement AI tools in general education courses, and develop discipline-specific learning bots that align with Bryant’s interdisciplinary approach. They will also mentor colleagues, collaborate across academic support units, and help build AI-powered systems that emphasize academic integrity, accessibility, and responsible use—ensuring faculty can focus more time on dynamic instruction and mentoring.
“Bryant’s faculty are eager to explore the pedagogical potential of AI in ways that uphold academic integrity and enhance the student experience,” says Hasseler. “Through this grant, we’ll build a community of practice that empowers faculty to harness AI as a tool for inclusive, effective, and forward-thinking instruction.”
The grant was received from the Davis Educational Foundation, established by Stanton and Elisabeth Davis after Mr. Davis’ retirement as chairman of Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc.
About Bryant University
For 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The university delivers an integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences.
Located on a 465-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 41 states and 50 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1 percent national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, QS Stars, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and College Factual. Bryant.edu
