The future of higher education is here

No one knows what tomorrow may bring. But at Metropolitan State University of Denver, we’re preparing students to meet the future with openness, curiosity and a flexible suite of skills. I’m particularly impressed by how our students are exploring and mastering new technologies in every field, from art to aerospace, honing the tools they will use to meet Colorado’s emerging workforce needs.

This issue of RED Magazine focuses mainly on efforts to engage with what may well become the most disruptive new technology of our era: artificial intelligence. AI may hold the potential to reshape our future, but the outlines of how this could unfold are only beginning to emerge.

In our feature story, “Higher ed’s next big test,” you’ll meet MSU Denver’s Generative Artificial Intelligence Taskforce, a team of faculty members and administrators studying AI’s impacts on teaching, learning and assessment. Our experts weigh in on the benefits and challenges arising from this rapidly evolving tech and how the University is responding in real time, in curricula and classrooms.

We also look at the ways in which AI might affect artists and writers. While some creators have filed lawsuits claiming copyright infringement, other artists — including some MSU Denver faculty members — are intrigued by generative AI’s potential to spark fresh inspiration. In this issue’s Q&A, one of the University’s Computer Science experts discusses how her students are using AI to solve real-world problems, including the creation of a personal assistant that helps chemists who are blind.

These aren’t the only students and graduates using their skills to improve the health and well-being of others. This summer, 15 Health Institute students worked at Centro de Rehabilitación Integral de San Miguel de Allende, a rehabilitation center 3½ hours northwest of Mexico City. We’ve had a partnership with the clinic since 2019. Students who visit put their learning into action by assisting clients with physical therapy, psychological services and speech therapy.

Lastly, no issue of RED would be complete without some alumni success stories. Case in point: Justin Darnall, a 2019 MSU Denver graduate who works for Blue Origin and is responsible for developing and managing the human lunar landing system for NASA’s Artemis V mission to the moon. The task includes building software that is certified to safely transport humans on a spacecraft. And Justin is just one of countless Roadrunners who are aiming high, their sights set on success.

As I hope you’ll discover in these pages, the future is bright at MSU Denver. Our vibrant University continues to provide accessible and enriching education to Colorado’s students, who will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our great state and nation.

Sincerely,

JANINE DAVIDSON , Ph.D. President, Metropolitan State University of Denver