October 30, 2026
The School of Education at St. John’s University, in partnership with the Lilly Network of Church-Related Colleges and Universities, hosted a dynamic conference titled “The Roles and Missions of Church-Related Institutions in the Era of AI: Humanistic Approaches,” on October 24 on the University’s Queens, NY, campus.
"One of the key takeaways from the conference is the importance of continuing to value and cherish our human qualities in an increasingly AI-driven world. It was encouraging to see the growing attention to and appreciation for discussions on keeping humanity at the center. This momentum highlights the potential to expand such initiatives and foster meaningful dialogue across diverse contexts. As our university opens this space for learning, reflection, and exchange, I hope it will serve as a steppingstone for other institutions to engage in similar conversations and initiatives." said Eunhye Choi, Assistant Professor of Education Specialties in The School of Education.
The event brought together approximately 40 higher education leaders, faculty members, administrators, and practitioners for a day of thoughtful dialogue on the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence (AI). Participants explored how church-related colleges and universities can integrate emerging technologies while remaining firmly rooted in their mission and values.
The conference featured engaging keynote presentations, delivered by Michael Edmondson, Ph.D., Associate Provost for Continued Learning and Founding Director of the Learning and Development Initiative (LDI) at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), and Sanae Elmoudden, Ph.D, Professor and Assistant Chair in the Department of Communication Studies at St. John’s University, whose expertise and insights helped frame the day's discussions.
In addition to the keynote presentations, participants engaged in panel discussions, and collaborative conversations focused on the ethical, educational, and institutional implications of artificial intelligence on students, faculty, faith and the environment. Participants examined how AI is transforming teaching and learning, student engagement, leadership, and decision-making across higher education while considering the unique responsibilities of faith-based institutions in shaping a future that prioritizes dignity, compassion, and the common good.
A major highlight of the event was the opportunity for attendees to exchange perspectives and best practices with colleagues from diverse institutions. Discussions emphasized the importance of balancing technological innovation with mission-centered leadership, ensuring that advancements in AI serve humanity rather than replace the essential human relationships at the heart of education.
“As participants reflected on the day’s conversations, there was a shared sense of optimism and responsibility,” said Lucy A. Pesce, Ph.D., Assistant VP for Mission Integration “The conference underscored the critical role that church-related institutions can play in ensuring that technological advancement remains aligned with educational excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.”
Aliya E. Holmes, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnerships noted “This conference demonstrated the critical role church-related institutions can play in shaping the future of artificial intelligence through a lens of ethics, human dignity, and mission. The thoughtful engagement of our speakers and participants reinforced the importance of ensuring that technological innovation remains deeply connected to the values that define higher education and our shared humanity."
Organizers expressed their gratitude to all who attended and supported the event, noting that the connections forged and ideas generated throughout the conference will help inform future initiatives and ongoing dialogue surrounding artificial intelligence and higher education.
Attendee feedback was overwhelmingly favorable, underscoring the conference’s success and relevance. One participant summarized the experience by stating, “This was the best conference on AI and Education that I have attended in the past five years.”
The conference concluded with a walking tour of the campus and a renewed commitment to collaboration, innovation, and mission-driven leadership as institutions continue to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the AI era.