SREB Announces New Commission on AI in Education
S.C. Gov. McMaster and Marshall University President Brad Smith Co-Chair Convening of Education and Business Leaders Across the South

News SREB News Release

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster will chair the new Southern Regional Education Board Commission on Artificial Intelligence in Education. The two-year commission will convene leaders in education and business to chart a course for how AI is used in classrooms and how to prepare a workforce that is being transformed by technology.   

“When used correctly, AI is a powerful tool capable of reshaping our education system,” said McMaster. “By working together, we can overcome the challenges that AI presents and harness its power to ensure our students are prepared for the workforce of the future.”  

Brad D. Smith, president of Marshall University in West Virginia and former Silicon Valley CEO, co-chairs the commission. Members from each of SREB’s 16 states will include leadership from governors’ offices, state education and workforce agencies, K-12 educators and leaders, postsecondary faculty and leaders, and business executives, managers and engineers. 

“Learning to lean into the discoveries AI technology will develop in the future excites me,” said Smith. “We’re given the challenging, yet promising opportunity of preparing students for a digital world with evolving opportunities in life, employment and contribution.” 

The SREB Commission on Artificial Intelligence and Education will begin meeting in March to review research and industry data and hear from education experts. It will then develop recommendations for Southern states to lead in: 

  • Using AI in teaching and learning, K-12 and postsecondary
  • Developing related policies in K-12 schools, colleges and universities
  • Preparing students for careers in AI 

“We need to be proactive now, because AI is fundamentally shifting the classroom and the workplace,” said SREB President Stephen L. Pruitt. “The Commission will bring us together for a roadmap on preparing students for this world in which AI is a reality.”  

Next

In the coming weeks, SREB will announce members of the commission, details on its first meeting, and charges to its committees. 

About SREB

The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan interstate compact of 16 states committed to advancing all levels of education to improve the social and economic vitality of the South.