Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various aspects of daily life, from enhancing efficiency in business and government operations to revolutionizing medical treatments and accelerating global research. However, this transformative wave also raises significant concerns, including potential job losses and challenges related to data privacy and misinformation. As we navigate this era of change, institutions like the College of William & Mary (W&M) view it as a pivotal opportunity, emphasizing the need for thoughtful leadership and a commitment to human-centered innovation.
Leading Through Change
With the official launch of the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics (CDSP) in July 2025, W&M aims to prepare its community for a future increasingly influenced by AI. Doug Schmidt, dean of the new school and a W&M alumnus, highlights the importance of ensuring that all students across various disciplines, not just those within CDSP, gain fluency in AI tools. Schmidt warns of a growing “digital chasm” between those equipped with technological skills and those without, which could lead to a substantial divide in workforce productivity. “People who have those advanced skills are going to be hundreds, if not thousands, of times more productive than people who don’t,” he states.
As AI adoption accelerates, Schmidt emphasizes that incoming students may already possess foundational AI skills but still lack essential analytical and communication abilities typically cultivated through traditional education. W&M’s rich legacy in liberal arts provides a unique advantage in developing these core competencies. This approach is not merely about technical prowess but also about merging it with a strong foundation in liberal arts, which includes effective communication, reading, and writing skills.
“We’re giving people a world-class education in the foundational liberal arts and sciences and humanities, while also giving them the opportunity to work with cutting-edge tools with AI and automation. It’s that combination that’s our value proposition. As usual, the ampersand makes all the difference.”
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Internships, research opportunities, and ethical considerations surrounding AI will be integral components of the curriculum, further preparing students for careers in an AI-driven landscape. Schmidt highlights the importance of intertwining business acumen with technological expertise, noting that students will get opportunities to minor in business alongside their primary studies.
Understanding the AI Landscape
As AI continues to permeate various fields, the demand for a more profound understanding of its workings grows. Tingting (Rachel) Chung, an instructor in the MBA and Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) programs at W&M, underscores this need. During her TEDx talk at the “Accelerating Innovation” event in March 2025, she compared AI to a “magic trick,” where the audience observes wonders without truly grasping the underlying mechanics. “Buzzwords like deep learning and hyperparameters are everywhere, and yet most people feel like they are watching a magic show they do not understand,” she explains.
Chung’s courses aim to demystify AI for students and the broader community. The launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 significantly shifted perceptions, prompting many students to recognize AI’s relevance to their future careers. To enhance AI literacy, Chung has initiated various programs, including a seminar titled “How AI Works,” aimed at faculty, staff, and students, as well as a collaborative activity book, “AI the Magic Box,” designed for middle school students. “Using artificial intelligence is a bit like driving a car,” she illustrates, emphasizing that while deep technical knowledge isn’t necessary, a basic understanding of AI functions is essential.
Chung’s work, including her engaging TEDx presentation, illustrates how AI systems operate, using examples to clarify complex concepts like input processing and data weighting. She stresses the importance of choosing how we leverage AI: “The real question is, are we going to let AI remain a magic trick, or are we going to learn how AI works and use it to accelerate innovation, cure cancer, and bring us world peace? The choice is ours.”
In summary, the establishment of the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics at W&M signals a proactive approach to preparing students for a future shaped by AI. By focusing on fluency in AI, integrating ethical considerations, and fostering partnerships across disciplines, W&M is equipping its community to thrive in a technology-driven world while embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
