UNCG School of Education Dean Morgan Chitiyo says the Evensons’ passion for education is encouraging and believes their gifts will transform the school, its students, and the University, beginning with the stablishment of a forward-looking professorship.
Q What does the Jerome Evenson Professorship in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education mean for your school?
The professorship is an investment that positions UNCG’s School of Education at the forefront of an evolving field. The endowment will allow the school to lead rather than follow, strengthening research, curriculum development, and educational innovation.
Q What will the professorship do, and how will it impact graduate and undergraduate students?
The role is a catalyst for interdisciplinary research, curriculum innovation, faculty support, and student success. The professor will provide leadership in integrating AI into education while helping prepare students for a rapidly changing workforce. Graduate students will gain direct mentorship from a leading scholar in AI and education and opportunities for hands-on research. Undergraduate students will benefit from enhanced teaching, curriculum, and learning experiences.
Q How will the AI professorship affect our recruiting and our institutional reputation?
While rankings are not the primary goal, investments like this elevate the school’s profile nationally and internationally. The professorship signals to prospective students that UNCG is investing in the future and can help recruit and retain outstanding students and faculty.
Q How does this named professorship compare with others in the school?
The School of Education currently has five named professorships, making this the sixth. The focus on AI is particularly exciting because it addresses a field that is actively reshaping education.
Q What is the impact of the Harriet Shain and Jerome Evenson Endowed Scholarship?
The scholarship is already helping dozens of aspiring educators by reducing financial barriers and strengthening teacher preparation pipelines. The fund directly supports Harriet Evenson’s goal of preparing more teachers. By 2030, the school expects the fund will support 92 students annually, including both undergraduate and graduate students.
Q What else is important about the scholarship?
The scholarship bolsters the School of Education’s long-standing mission of preparing teachers. The Evensons’ investment supports both continuity and innovation, helping the school remain responsive to future educational needs while advancing its historic mission.
Q How does this combat the teacher shortage in North Carolina?
There is definitely a teacher shortage at both the state and national levels. There are severe shortages in STEM and special education, and UNCG is focused on preparing highly qualified educators to meet these needs.
Q How will these investments affect North Carolina’s schools and communities?
The impact starts at UNCG but extends far beyond campus. Teachers prepared through our programs will influence hundreds of thousands of students throughout these teachers’ careers,
creating a powerful, long-term effect on learners, schools, and communities.
Photo of Dean Chitiyo by Sean Norona ’13