101 AI and Business Revolutionizing Business Harding offers new artificial intelligence class in business department. Fall of 2024 welcomed the start of the Artificial Intelligence in Business class taught by assistant professor of business administration Joe Faith. Students took part in the new class and participated in using artificial intelligence (AI) for assignments and as a study tool. “In the class, we cover the fundamentals of AI,” Faith said. “We talk about different model types, the theory behind them, and then we also talk about practical applications in business. I update [the lesson plan] as the semester is going, so I will bring in material as it’s happening.” The course attracted students from a variety of majors, including computer science, mechanical engineering and finance. Faith said that he hoped for his students to have the same advantage as AI majors in their future workplaces. Sophomore computer science major Sofia Sarmiento Ruiz discussed how she learned to organize and store data before giving it to AI. Ruiz emphasized her belief in learning how to use AI correctly to receive accurate information. “Don’t be afraid of using it, but learn how to use it so you can use it to your advantage,” Ruiz said. Dr. Dana Steil, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, furthered this thought. “Students in every class, in every discipline, need to have ownership of the knowledge enough to know when they are making a request of artificial intelligence: Is the answer even in the right ballpark?” Steil said. “It can be very wrong, you know, because it’s artificial by definition. It’s not intelligence; it’s artificial intelligence.” Steil commented on the possibility of a new major focusing on the engineering process of AI. “The major we’re currently working on is just the first step of several things we want to do with AI on campus,” Steil said. The prospective new major would make Harding one of the few colleges to offer an undergraduate degree in artificial intelligence, with most colleges only offering master’s degrees in the topic. Steil further expressed his hope for students in every field to graduate with the ability to skillfully use AI, and the AI in Business class kickstarted that vision. Written by Maci Stephens LISTENING INTENTLY In the Mabee building finance lab, students learn how to incorporate AI into their careers. Junior Zeb Fox listened as Faith lectured on AI. Photo by Claire Davis I, ROBOT On Oct. 28, assistant professor of business administration presents about robotics. He was the first professor to have a class dedicated to artifical intelligence. Photo by Claire Davis
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