AI’s Not a Genie in a Lamp: It’s a Space to Think

AI’s Not a Genie in a Lamp: It’s a Space to Think

AI’s Not a Genie in a Lamp: It’s a Space to Think

The big picture:

Author Josh Thorpe argues against viewing AI as either a “magic power” or “just a tool” — instead advocating for seeing it as an interactive learning environment.

Why it matters

As educational institutions grapple with AI integration, Thorpe’s perspective offers a middle ground between complete rejection and uncritical acceptance.

Key insights

  • Students generally fall into three categories:
    • Those overwhelmed by new tech
    • Those using AI to cheat
    • Those who thoughtfully integrate AI into learning

Bottom line

AI in education works best when it prompts students to think more deeply rather than doing the thinking for them.

February CHIPS Update

February CHIPS Update

In a significant development for the CHIPS and Science Act implementation, on January 16th, the Department of Commerce announced preliminary funding agreements totaling approximately $246.4 million across four semiconductor companies. The proposed investments include:

  • $105 million for Analog Devices to expand facilities in Massachusetts, Oregon, and Washington
  • $79 million for Coherent’s silicon carbide substrate production in Pennsylvania
  • $10.3 million for IntelliEPI’s epitaxial wafer facility in Texas
  • $52.1 million for Sumika’s new ultra-high purity chemical plant in Texas

These investments aim to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, create approximately 1,190 new jobs across multiple states, and enhance the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. The initiatives span various critical areas including RF microwave systems, silicon carbide substrates, epitaxial wafers, and high-purity chemicals essential for chip production.

In another significant development, the Department of Commerce has finalized three new CHIPS Act awards totaling $143 million, along with a $75 million supplemental award to GlobalFoundries. The latest funding allocations include:

  • $32 million for Corning’s HPFS and ULE glass production expansion in Canton, New York
  • $18 million for Edwards Vacuum’s new semiconductor dry pump facility in Genesee County, New York
  • $93 million for Infinera’s photonic semiconductor manufacturing in San Jose, California and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

These investments will create approximately 730 manufacturing jobs and 1,475 construction jobs across multiple states. The projects focus on critical components for semiconductor manufacturing, including lithography materials, vacuum pumps for fab operations, and photonic integrated circuits for data communications. The additional $75 million awarded to GlobalFoundries will support advanced packaging technology development at their Malta, New York facility.

The Presidents Forum continues to actively monitor and engage with CHIPS for America developments, recognizing the critical importance of semiconductor manufacturing to U.S. economic and national security interests. Through regular briefings and policy discussions, the Forum maintains close involvement with these initiatives, ensuring its members stay informed about funding allocations, implementation progress, and emerging opportunities in the semiconductor industry.

February Update

February Update

February Update

The February update focuses on High Social Value Education and key policy updates, emphasizing both individual success and community impact in higher education.

The big picture:

Presidents Forum is expanding its influence through:

  • New partnerships
  • Policy agenda development
  • Engagement with Department of Education leadership

Coming up:

  • Linda McMahon’s Education Secretary confirmation hearings (mid-February). Senate vote expected by early March
  • DC meeting on March 24-25
Fostering Peer-to-Peer Communication

Fostering Peer-to-Peer Communication

Fostering Peer-to-Peer Communication

The big picture:

The Presidents Forum facilitates crucial peer-to-peer connections among presidents, offering a confidential space for leadership discussions and networking.

Key benefits:

  • Direct peer contact through private contact list
  • Safe environment for candid discussions
  • Access to trusted collaboration partners

Bottom line:

The forum creates a community where presidents can build meaningful relationships and share insights that strengthen their leadership capabilities.

2025: New Year, Same Challenges and Opportunities

2025: New Year, Same Challenges and Opportunities

By Scott Pulsipher, President of Western Governors University

AI’s real potential rests in its ability to dramatically personalize learning such that every individual has an equal probability of success. But for all its hype, few institutions successfully implemented artificial intelligence tools in 2024 and those that did mostly used it to refine existing practices, for instance using the tech to develop teaching materials and exams rather than leveraging its capacity to fundamentally change education.

If institutions aren’t careful, advances in AI could help fuel their disruption as students increasingly embrace AI as a learning tool and discover they don’t need a formal education to pick up new skills. To avoid becoming a relic of the past, it’s incumbent on faculty and institutions to consider how they might implement tech to fundamentally reimagine how students consume content, engage anyone to enable learning, and effectively attain and demonstrate mastery.

Read the full insights here.