SMWC Receives Lilly Endowment Inc. Grant to Address AI in Higher Education

Saint Mary of the Woods, IN (12/16/2025) — Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) has been awarded a $125,000 planning grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., through its Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education (AIHE) initiative.

"We are so grateful for the priority that Lilly Endowment Inc. has placed on investing in higher education in the state of Indiana. This planning grant will allow SMWC to evaluate opportunities that AI can bring to higher education in assisting students for successful careers," said SMWC President Brennan Randolph, MBA.

SMWC will receive $125,000 through the Phase 1 planning grant. Planning grants may be used to explore ways to address various challenges and opportunities arising from rapid advances in AI technologies. Uses for the funds could include consulting engagements, staff time, conferences and seminars, travel to gather information and ideas and preparation. The College submitted its grant request in the last week of November.

With this initiative, Lilly Endowment is offering planning grants to help eligible Indiana colleges and universities address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. This new initiative aims to develop or enhance strategies that improve educational opportunities and best prepare students for a workplace increasingly shaped by AI. The Endowment is allocating up to $500 million for this multi-year initiative.

The funds will help shape Phase 2 opportunities, which include two tracks: Implementation Grants for up to $5 million for SMWC and Collaboration Grants for up to $40 million for groups of institutions.

Both phases will focus on advancing AI integration in teaching, learning and institutional operations.

"We are excited to begin utilizing the Lilly Endowment Inc. planning grant. This will allow the College to explore how AI can enrich learning, support our faculty and ensure our students are equipped to work in a rapidly changing world," said Janet Clark, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

To learn more about the Lilly Endowment's Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education initiative at https://lillyendowment.org/artificial-intelligence-in-higher-education/.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

SMWC Receives Lilly Endowment Inc. Grant to Address AI in Higher Education

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

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