STC alumnus Fernando Benavides graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Technology in 2021. Now, as the Information Technology Operations Manager for Texas Workforce Solutions, Benavides said the priority the BAT-CIT program places on AI in its courses enabled him to incorporate the technology used by the organization to help job seekers.

“You may already know that Workforce Solutions uses an AI tool that helps those looking for jobs to create resumes and help in their search, and that’s just one example, others are using AI to help them manage their 401K retirement plans. So, the truth is, AI is not the future because it’s already here,” Benavides said. “It’s no surprise that STC is taking advantage of this perfect moment to begin implementing all these tools at their disposal, within the right parameters and the right controls in place, because it is only going to enhance the learning potential for all students.”

Campos said integrating AI into its divisions and programs is more than just a mandate, it has been designated as an institutional priority in the college’s 2025-2031 Strategic Plan, which calls for the creation of programs and degrees using emerging technologies as well as the use of AI to maximize efficiency and streamline operations.

To coordinate efforts across the college’s divisions, STC has created an AI Task Force co-led by Campos and Christoper Nelson, Ph.D., dean of STC Liberal Arts, that also serves as a central point, guiding AI across all programs at the college.

STC’s AI Task Force will also coordinate the technology’s use among faculty, which emphasizes a balanced approach to training and ethics.

“Responsible use means leveraging AI for support while still practicing foundational skills,” Campos said.

Leadership with the Division of Business, Public Safety and Technology (BPST) say they have recognized AI’s current and future relevance and have begun a year-long effort to assess its potential applications in programs.

“We know AI is already here to stay and we want to start embedding it into all of our programs. There really is potential everywhere,” said BPST point of contact Joe Vela. “We decided to go all in on this. We know that the students of tomorrow are going to come in already using AI as a resource, and we want to make sure that we are utilizing it effectively in our curriculum. We want to show them that we have an answer for them, exemplifying expertise when it comes to AI.”

For more information about the utilization of artificial intelligence at STC visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/ai/.

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