The University of Akron College of Business is advancing its commitment to preparing students and business leaders for a data-driven future through a slate of programming and academic initiatives during the 2026–27 academic year. From industry conversations and hands-on exploration to new academic offerings, the college is bringing together students, faculty, business professionals, alumni and community leaders to examine how AI is transforming organizations, the workforce and the future of business.

“AI is no longer something businesses can consider only for the future — it is changing how organizations operate, make decisions and create value today,” said Dr. Terry Daugherty, dean of the College of Business. “Our responsibility is to make sure our students are prepared to lead in that environment. We’re integrating AI throughout our curriculum while creating opportunities for students and industry leaders to learn from one another, explore emerging technologies and ensure its ethical and responsible use.”

A cornerstone of the college’s 2026–27 AI programming is the ninth annual Business Analytics and Innovation Summit (BAIS), hosted by the Center for IT and Analytics on Friday, Oct. 2. This year’s theme, “Beyond the Pilot: Delivering AI & Analytics at Scale,” addresses a critical challenge facing organizations today: moving AI and analytics initiatives from experimentation to meaningful, sustainable impact. The event will feature industry perspectives from leaders at Westfield Insurance, Net Health, Avantia, Paragon Shift, Black Elm and The J.M. Smucker Company.

The college will continue the conversation through the Ohio’s Leadership and HR Forum on Thursday, Oct. 15. Focused on “Building Northeast Ohio Talent with Smarter Skills, Stronger Leadership and Practical AI,” the forum will bring together business leaders, HR professionals, educators and workforce development experts to examine how organizations can build a more skilled and adaptable workforce, and leverage AI strategies to hire and develop talent more effectively.

Grounds for Disruption events, hosted by the Fitzgerald Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, will provide another avenue for ongoing discussion. The monthly meet-up series, scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18, Friday, Oct. 16 and Friday, Nov. 20, will bring together faculty, students, staff, industry professionals, alumni and community members working on new technologies, innovations, and artificial intelligence that bring positive impacts.

Beyond events, AI is becoming an increasingly important part of the College of Business academic experience.

For the 2026–27 academic year, the college officially launches its new Applied AI & Information Systems (AI&IS) major, preparing students to apply artificial intelligence, analytics and information systems to real-world business challenges. The program combines technical knowledge with business acumen, positioning graduates to help organizations identify opportunities, implement emerging technologies and make data-informed decisions in an ethical and responsible way.

At the same time, AI education is being integrated across departments and disciplines throughout the College of Business. Students will encounter AI concepts and applications in a variety of business courses, reflecting the college’s commitment to ensuring that AI literacy is not limited to students pursuing a technology-focused degree. The goal is to prepare future accountants, marketers, managers, finance professionals, entrepreneurs and other business leaders to understand AI’s capabilities, limitations and implications for their fields.

Together, the college’s academic and industry-focused initiatives reflect a broader commitment to AI literacy, innovation and responsible adoption — giving students opportunities to engage with the technology in the classroom while connecting that learning to the challenges businesses are navigating today.

UA’s College of Business is internationally accredited and ranked among the top 1% of business schools worldwide by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Through experiential learning, career readiness and strong corporate connections, the college empowers every Zip to say “yes” to opportunity and Experience Business.