Tennessee Tech Computer Science Professor Tapped as National AI Education Ambassador

April 24, 2026 - 11:19

A Tennessee Technological University faculty member has been appointed to a prominent national role focused on advancing artificial intelligence education across the United States. Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a professor in the university’s Department of Computer Science, has been chosen as a national AI education ambassador by the American Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI). The appointment recognizes her extensive work in developing inclusive AI curricula and bridging the gap between academic research and K-12 classroom applications.

Mitchell’s role will involve collaborating with educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to promote AI literacy and ethical practices. She will lead workshops, create open-source teaching resources, and advise on integrating AI concepts into existing STEM programs. “This is not just about teaching students to use AI tools,” Mitchell stated in a university release. “It’s about empowering them to understand how AI works, question its biases, and shape its future responsibly.” Her efforts will focus particularly on underserved communities, aiming to diversify the pipeline of future AI professionals.

The selection committee highlighted Mitchell’s pioneering work on the “AI for All” initiative, which has already trained over 200 Tennessee teachers. She will serve a two-year term, during which she plans to launch a national mentorship network for early-career educators. Tennessee Tech President Dr. Phil Oldham praised the honor, noting that Mitchell’s expertise “positions our university at the forefront of AI education innovation.” The appointment comes as the U.S. Department of Education emphasizes the need for AI-ready graduates, with Tennessee recently allocating $10 million for digital literacy programs. Mitchell’s first official event as ambassador will be a virtual symposium in March, focusing on ethical AI design for middle and high school students.