Gov. Bill Lee has appointed Vanderbilt University’s Jesse Spencer-Smith to the Tennessee Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council, which was established last year to guide the ethical and effective use of AI in the state.
The council includes representatives from state departments, legislators and gubernatorial appointees, along with external experts such as Spencer-Smith, who is associate dean for partnerships and innovation for the new College of Connected Computing, chief data scientist for the Data Science Institute and professor of the practice of computer science. He was appointed in March to fill a vacancy on the council.
“Jesse Spencer-Smith’s appointment to the Tennessee Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council is a testament to Vanderbilt’s leadership in AI research and policy,” Provost C. Cybele Raver said. “His expertise will help shape responsible and innovative AI advancements that benefit our state, while also strengthening Vanderbilt’s role in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and driving impactful solutions. We are proud to see his contributions recognized at this critical moment in AI’s evolution.”
While AI has the potential to revolutionize industries, the primary goal is to “benefit all Tennesseans,” Spencer-Smith said. “Through my role, Vanderbilt will gain valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities AI presents across multiple sectors. We will also be able to contribute to conversations that shape how AI is implemented responsibly.”
Spencer-Smith’s appointment reflects Vanderbilt’s expertise in computing and its commitment to advancing AI research, shaping advanced computing policy and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
That commitment led Vanderbilt to begin working with the council in September, when Spencer-Smith, along with Duane Watson, vice provost for special initiatives, and Chris Rowe, executive director for industry collaborations, met with council staff to discuss how Vanderbilt could support the council’s work, including hosting workshops and working with legislative members to enhance their understanding of AI.
Vanderbilt’s work with the council supports the university’s broader commitment to advancing AI and computing research. The College of Connected Computing, Vanderbilt’s first new college in 40 years, will launch this year to expand education and research in artificial intelligence, data science and computer science.
“You have to know that it (AI) exists, and you have to know what AI can truly do and what it can’t do,” Spencer-Smith said. “Augmented by AI, the breadth of your reach—how far you can travel—is nearly limitless.”
Spencer-Smith’s appointment to the council reinforces Vanderbilt’s leadership in shaping the future of AI in the state, ensuring innovative research and academic expertise inform responsible advancements that benefit all Tennesseans.
