AI in Practice: Insights from Top Industry and Academic Leaders

Over the past five years, Clemson’s President’s Industry Council, expertly convened by Angie Leidinger and thoughtfully facilitated by David McNair, has created a unique forum for candid, forward-looking conversations between Clemson University top leaders and senior executives from leading organizations across the country.

I had the privilege of joining the most recent session with David McNair, focused on AI, and the discussion was both energizing and grounding.

A few key insights stood out:

• AI adoption is not just a technical shift - it’s an organizational and cultural transformation. Leadership, communication, and change management matter as much as the technology itself.

• There is a growing need for talent who can not only use AI, but lead in AI-enabled environments - combining technical fluency with critical thinking and judgment.

• There is also an urgent need to upskill the existing workforce, equipping employees at all levels to effectively work alongside and leverage AI.

• Many organizations are experimenting with AI, but there is a need for faster pathways from research to real-world deployment.

• Industry–university partnerships are more important than ever, especially as funding and innovation models increasingly favor collaboration and applied outcomes.

• There is a clear opportunity and responsibility to expand AI literacy and access, particularly for small and mid-sized businesses.

What stood out most was the shared commitment to co-develop solutions, not just discuss them.

Clemson is uniquely positioned to play a leading role - not only in advancing applied AI, but in preparing students to lead in an AI-enabled world.

Grateful to Interim President Bob Jones, Provost Cole Smith, Angie Leidinger, David McNair, and the amazing industry leaders and Deans who participated in this discussion. Looking forward to continuing the momentum.