University of Kentucky Initiative to Advance AI Efforts Across the Campus and State

• By Rhea Kelly
• 12/02/25

The University of Kentucky has launched CATS AI (Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy), a campuswide effort aimed at advancing AI across the institution's 17 colleges, libraries, research centers, and institutes; its academic and healthcare enterprises; and throughout the state. CATS AI is an initiative of the Advancing Kentucky Together (AKT) Network, a statewide partnership led by the university to position the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a national leader in AI adoption and innovation.

"Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping our world — expanding access to information, transforming workplaces, reimagining research and innovation, and revolutionizing healthcare," said UK President Eli Capilouto. "At the University of Kentucky, we are committed to becoming an AI university — where AI enhances how we teach, learn, research, heal, and serve the Commonwealth."

Areas of focus for the initiative include:

• AI literacy, training, and tools for all UK employees;
• AI-enabled resources for students, including academic support tools and exploration opportunities;
• Potential development of an AI-themed residence hall;
• Health care applications such as expanded use of ambient listening tools and improved rural access to care; and
• Enhanced research collaboration using digital discovery platforms and advanced computing infrastructure.

It will also serve to "connect and amplify" existing initiatives across campus, such as UK ADVANCE, the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence, and the AI/ML Hub, the university said.

CATS AI will be led by a steering committee of university leaders who will oversee five subcommittees focused on education, research, student experience, healthcare, and workplace administration, UK said. Interim co-directors Ian McClure, UK vice president for innovation, and Heath Price, UK associate vice president for partnerships, have stepped up to guide the initiative while the university searches for a permanent director.

"Artificial intelligence isn't just a buzzword. It is a transformative tool that is reshaping how we live, work and deliver care," commented state Rep. Josh Bray, who is co-chair of Kentucky's Artificial Intelligence Task Force. "The University of Kentucky's CATS AI initiative will help ensure Kentucky leads in the responsible use of AI, from improving healthcare access in rural communities to advancing research, education and workforce training. I appreciate UK taking this forward-looking approach that keeps innovation grounded in service to people and progress for our Commonwealth."   

"AI is changing every part of our economy, and Kentucky must guide that change responsibly and purposefully. The University of Kentucky's CATS AI initiative gives our commonwealth a partner that can help us prepare students, support workers, and modernize services in a way that strengthens public trust of this rapidly advancing technology," said state Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe. "As co-chair of the AI Task Force, I'm encouraged to see our higher-education institutions stepping up to lead in this moment. This will prove a positive example of how to utilize and integrate AI, and it will prepare future members of the workforce on how to make the most of it in a beneficial way." 

For more information, visit the CATS AI site.