By Robert Steffler, ECPI University’s Chief Technology Officer
Across every sector, AI is forcing a reexamination of how we define work, productivity, and human value. During ECPI University’s inaugural AI Summit, I joined a panel of industry leaders to discuss how these changes are unfolding in real time. What became clear is that AI’s real power lies not in replacing people, but in amplifying what people can do.
Professionals from across healthcare, technology, cybersecurity, manufacturing, and education sectors joined to share how AI is transforming their work. The summit brought together leaders from Booz Allen Hamilton, 9th Way Insignia, ECS Tech, eTranservices, and ECPI University.
Rather than speculating about the future, conversations focused on how we should be using AI tools today to prepare for what comes next. This means approaching it with a sense of responsibility and transparency, not just purpose.
What Industry Leaders Really Think About AI
What stood out to me was how aligned our goals were, even when our day-to-day work looked quite different. Each speaker offered a unique view of what AI means in practice, yet many of the priorities overlapped. At the heart of every discussion was a shared belief that people carry the responsibility for how AI is used.
I believe what is increasingly clear to many is that AI is changing the nature of work itself. As AI takes care of the busywork, it’s giving people space to refocus their tasks. In fields like cybersecurity, for instance, AI is already being used to manage much of the regular monitoring, freeing up professionals to concentrate on analysis and strategy.
Now more than ever, communication and empathy are proving to be essential. While AI can handle the administrative workload, it can't provide the connection and understanding that only people can. This is especially evident in healthcare, where automation of routine tasks reduces time spent on paperwork. As a result, clinicians can devote more time to patients.
No matter how advanced and reliable technology becomes, human connection remains the foundation of trust and effectiveness. Genuine understanding and judgment will always come from people, not machines.
Why Ethics Matter More Than Ever
While AI invites many opportunities and brings enormous potential, I believe innovation should never come at the expense of safety, security, or integrity.
There are real risks to consider when using AI, including bias in automated processes and the potential erosion of human oversight as automation grows. That's why every AI initiative should be guided by a core set of ethics, from design to implementation.
From my perspective, strong governance is essential to managing these risks. It requires accountable leadership, clear policy, transparent tools, and ongoing education.
I see AI as a people issue as much as it is a technical one. It's not enough to know how to prompt a system. We also need to know how to question its results and recognize potential bias. Only then can we make better and more informed decisions.
In education, this responsibility feels familiar. Teaching students to think critically, analyze resources, and act with integrity has always been central to learning. As AI becomes more closely incorporated into academics, those same guiding principles remain relevant.
From Ideas to Action: How ECPI is Using AI Today
We're taking deliberate steps at ECPI University to apply the same principles discussed at the summit. AI is being integrated across both our administrative and academic operations, supported by guard rails to ensure it's being used ethically and appropriately.
On the administrative side, we're using it to streamline internal operations and boost efficiency. It’s also helping make the enrollment process smoother and more responsive, giving staff more time to focus on supporting students and faculty.
Academically, we’re leading the way in expanding AI education across our curriculum, with more than 35 courses already integrating its use. The effort reaches across technology, cybersecurity, business, and engineering programs.
Our students learn to question AI’s output with the same rigor they apply to academic research. They use it as a partner in problem-solving, not a shortcut. For instance, we have tutor bots that guide students through the process of finding solutions rather than giving them direct answers. In doing so, they learn not just how to use AI but how to think with it.
This work represents how we continue to evolve as educators. The world our students are entering is already being shaped by AI, and our job is to make sure their learning reflects that reality. As Chief Technology Officer, my goal is to ensure that as technology moves forward, education moves with it.
Looking Ahead Together
The summit closed on an optimistic note, with a shared understanding that progress in AI will rely on collaboration across industries and perspectives. When educators, technologists, and industry leaders work toward common goals, real innovation starts to happen.
For ECPI University, hosting these discussions felt like both a privilege and a natural extension of who we are. Collaboration and applied learning have always been at the heart of what we do.
I see this AI Summit as only the beginning of an ongoing conversation. My hope is that ECPI University continues to be a space where diverse voices meet to explore, challenge, and build the future together.
About the Author: Robert Steffler
Robert Steffler is the Chief Technology Officer at ECPI University, where he leads innovation, AI integration, and digital transformation across the institution. A results-driven executive and trusted advisor to CEOs and presidents, he has a record of delivering enterprise-wide impact through advanced analytics, data strategy, and technology modernization.
His leadership has spanned industries including retail, CPG, industrial, franchise, and financial services, with achievements such as founding Vontier’s advanced analytics hub and AI strategy, driving over $100M in operational savings, transforming eCommerce and analytics platforms as CTO & CIO of Matco Tools, and leading AI-powered personalization and data initiatives at Neiman Marcus and JCPenney. Recognized for building high-performing teams and driving measurable results, he brings strategic vision and deep technical expertise to every challenge.