Leading AI Innovation in Higher Education with Heather Pelkie – Part 1

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping higher education and the workforce our students are entering. The question for institutions is no longer whether to engage with AI—but whether they will do so intentionally. In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Michael Cottam and Vernon Smith talk with Heather Pelkie, who leads AI initiatives at West Coast University and serves as an Assistant Professor of Communication. Heather shares how her work sits at the intersection of AI innovation, learning design, and organizational strategy. She discusses how institutions can move beyond reactive experimentation toward thoughtful implementation that prepares students to work alongside AI systems. The conversation explores the rapid pace of technological change, the importance of keeping humans at the center of AI use, and new ways educators can design experiential learning using AI-powered simulations and interactive tools. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation exploring how higher education can lead the AI transformation rather than lag behind it. Key Topics Discussed • The intersection of AI, higher education, and workforce readiness • Why higher education is at an inflection point with AI • Moving from reactive AI experimentation to intentional strategy • The accelerating pace of AI change and how leaders stay informed • Keeping the human in the loop when using AI tools • Using the “How Might We” innovation question to unlock new possibilities • Designing experiential learning with AI simulations and agents • Preparing graduates for an AI-integrated workforce West Coast University - https://www.westcoastuniversity.edu (https://www.westcoastuniversity.edu/) Engaged By Design - https://www.engagedbydesign.com (https://www.engagedbydesign.com/) Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com (http://www.engagedbydesign.com) to learn more about • The Course Design Accelerator  • Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education