Positioning Shippensburg University as a Generative AI Leader
Shippensburg University has a unique opportunity to become a leader in generative AI education within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). This presentation explores how we can leverage existing resources, collaborate with industry leaders, and develop innovative programs to equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in the AI-driven economy.

by Dr. Mark Lennon

Building on a Strong Foundation
Entrepreneurship Programs
Shippensburg University has a strong track record in entrepreneurship education, including successful initiatives like the 3-Day Startup and existing entrepreneurship programs. This provides a solid foundation for incorporating generative AI into our curriculum.
AI Certificate Program
Shippensburg’s existing Artificial Intelligence Certificate program demonstrates our commitment to AI education and our ability to deliver high-quality, innovative programs. This program serves as a springboard for further expansion.
Diller Center Renaissance
Paying it Forward
Dr. Lennon's students have thrived thanks to the generosity of Shippensburg University and Dr. John Kooti, Dean of the AACSB accredited John L. Grove College of Business. By enabling their participation in multiple 3-Day Startup weekends, the students excelled at PASSHE State System Startups. Now it's Dr. Lennon's turn to give back and carry forward the Diller legacy.
Resourceful New Englander
Raised by a single mother, a children's librarian in Massachusetts, Dr. Lennon exemplifies Yankee ingenuity and resilience. He and his siblings earned scholarships to attend top universities, including AACSB-accredited institutions where he completed his graduate degrees—an MBA from Northeastern University and a PhD from the University of Rhode Island. Despite no university funding, he established an award-winning Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

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Proposal for Director of the Charles H. Diller Jr. Center

Dr. Mark Lennon proposes to lead the Diller Center at Shippensburg University. The center fosters entrepreneurship, innovation, and business development through competitions, mentorship, and incubation programs.

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Diller Academy Weekend Training: Open-Source Generative AI

Welcome to a weekend of hands-on learning and discovery in the world of open-source generative AI.

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AACSB Accreditation Simplified: Introducing AACSB.AI

AACSB.AI simplifies and automates the application for and renewals of AACSB accreditation for business schools. Our software and consulting services streamline the process, saving time and resources.

Faculty Inspired AI Initiatives
Based on my conversations with several faculty and staff, my research shows the projects are possible at minimal financial cost.

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ShipGPT: AI-Powered Research with Academic Integrity

Shippensburg University professors require students to conduct research using the university library. However, many students are resorting to plagiarism through ChatGPT and search engines like Google. To address this, we propose ShipGPT—a custom AI research assistant powered by Retrieval-Augmented G

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Know Your Rights AI

Student Innovation, Faculty Validation KnowYourRights is an innovative, AI driven platform designed to empower young adults entering the workforce with essential legal knowledge. Built for Students, by Students, validated by expert Shippensburg University Faculty

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Generative AI for Career Success

Empowering student careers at Shippensburg University

A Vision for Generative AI Education

1

Integrate Generative AI Tools
Develop coursework that seamlessly integrates generative AI tools into non-technical disciplines, enabling students to apply AI across various business functions.

2

Enhance Entrepreneurship Curriculum
Provide hands-on applications of generative AI technologies within the entrepreneurship curriculum, equipping students with the tools to build AI-powered businesses.

3

Industry Partnerships
Partner with industry leaders like IBM, Google, Amazon, and Snowflake to leverage their expertise, resources, and in-kind support for program development.
A College in High School Program
IBM Collaboration
Dr. Stephanie McHugh of Commonwealth Charter Academy and I already collaborated with IBM to develop a curriculum for a College in High School program. Students gain industry certificate in IBM & college credit in business
Industry Certifications
Combine the program curriculum with industry-recognized certifications from IBM, Snowflake, and other leading AI providers to enhance student credentials.
NASA T2U Program
Leverage NASA's T2U program, which provides access to royalty-free NASA patents, to empower student business teams with cutting-edge technology.
Increase Shippensburg Enrollment
Commonwealth Charter Academy
Commonwealth Charter Academy has over 34,000 students. CCA's Senior VP for K-12 Career Readiness, Dr. Stephanie McHugh (far right), and TechWorks Director, Ms. Debbie Reynolds (center), proudly wear their Shippensburg T-shirts and look forward to collaborating with the John L. Grove College of Business and the Diller Center. Their new Family Service Center in Shippensburg—one of 22+ across the state—supports students within a 45-minute drive.
Funding Opportunities
Richard M. Schulze Foundation
This foundation offers $2,500 in startup funding for eligible initiatives, providing a potential source of seed funding for our generative AI programs.
Industry Grants
Our industry partners often provide financial grants to universities supporting AI initiatives, opening opportunities for program development and expansion.
Meeting the Growing Demand

1

Pennsylvania has a significant role in the global AI landscape, demonstrated by the partnership between the state and OpenAI. Shippensburg University is well-positioned to leverage this momentum.

2

Pennsylvania’s prestigious private institutions are leading the way in AI education, but a gap exists within PASSHE. Shippensburg can fill this void by providing accessible, practical AI programs.

3

The demand for AI-skilled professionals is booming, and Shippensburg University can empower its students to become future leaders in the AI-driven economy.
A Call to Action
1
Collaborate
Let's work together to develop a strategic plan for implementing these ideas, leveraging our combined expertise and resources.
2
Explore Funding
We can explore potential funding sources from industry partners, foundations, and government grants to support program development.
3
Engage Stakeholders
We need to engage with faculty, staff, and industry partners to ensure that our programs meet the needs of students and employers.
Conclusion
By embracing generative AI and developing innovative programs, Shippensburg University can position itself as a leader in AI education, preparing students for the future and contributing to the growth of the Pennsylvania economy. I am confident that Shippensburg University can become a frontrunner in generative AI education, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of learning, innovation, and opportunity. Let's work together to make this vision a reality.