A professor from Pennsylvania Western University will conduct research on artificial intelligence (AI) and higher education during a trip to Brazil this summer. Mark Lennon, a business professor at PennWest California, has been awarded a Fulbright U.S. Scholar grant and is set to travel to the University of the Amazon in Belém, Brazil, in June.
Lennon’s research aims to explore how AI can help students and faculty at regional universities enhance their global competitiveness. “Brazil currently offers fully funded graduate scholarships for English-language programs — seats Pennsylvania students could fill,” Lennon noted. He believes that connecting these opportunities to Western Pennsylvania colleges could lead to more graduate degrees, improved job prospects, and stronger communities.
This research comes at a time of heightened federal scrutiny of higher education programs. Fulbright funds are appropriated annually by Congress, often supplemented by contributions from partner countries and private entities. Last year, the program faced significant challenges, with all but one of its 12-member board resigning due to political interference from the Trump administration, leading to numerous awards being denied or placed under review.
Lennon asserts that his research not only supports U.S. economic interests but also positions the academic community in the Pittsburgh region as a global leader. He plans to share updates on his work through a dedicated website, FulbrightAI.com. “The Fulbright Program is exactly the kind of taxpayer investment that pays dividends at home,” he stated. “This isn’t just research; it’s economic development.”
Additionally, Lennon believes that his experience could enhance PennWest’s profile and motivate other faculty members to seek similar programming, ultimately supporting student enrollment and retention efforts. Like many institutions across the United States, PennWest has been grappling with declining enrollment and retention, attributed to a shrinking pool of traditional college-bound students and an oversaturated higher education landscape. The university has reported enrollment declines and financial constraints, leading to proposed eliminations of more than 100 academic programs.
Lennon is optimistic that the recognition from the national Fulbright program could positively influence enrollment and retention at PennWest. “That is positively correlated with increased enrollment and retention,” he explained. However, he expressed concern that the university administration has not publicly acknowledged his achievement, stating that recognition could inspire other faculty to pursue Fulbright awards and encourage prospective students to consider PennWest.
In 2022, Lennon received a Fulbright Specialist Award for a three-week financial technology course in India. During that time, the university made a public announcement regarding his recognition, and he shared the information with colleagues to encourage them to apply for the Fulbright Specialist program.
Wendy Mackall, a spokeswoman for PennWest, commented on the situation, saying, “At this time of year, PennWest University’s communications efforts are heavily focused on sharing stories connected to commencement and celebrating the achievements of our students ahead of ceremonies on May 9. We are aware of this achievement and will recognize it as we do the achievements of other faculty members. Our faculty are the backbone of our institution, and we are proud of the work they do every day to help students advance their fields and contribute to the broader community.”
Lennon’s exploration into AI’s role in education highlights the growing importance of technology in academic settings, particularly in enhancing access to educational resources and opportunities. As universities face shifting demographics and financial challenges, innovative research such as Lennon’s could prove essential in navigating the future landscape of higher education.
See also
Andrew Ng Advocates for Coding Skills Amid AI Evolution in Tech
AI’s Growing Influence in Higher Education: Balancing Innovation and Critical Thinking
AI in English Language Education: 6 Principles for Ethical Use and Human-Centered Solutions
Ghana’s Ministry of Education Launches AI Curriculum, Training 68,000 Teachers by 2025
57% of Special Educators Use AI for IEPs, Raising Legal and Ethical Concerns
