DeVry University Celebrates Two Years of AI Innovation, Advancing AI-Powered Education and Workforce Readiness

DeVry University is redefining education through its commitment to artificial intelligence, marking two years since the launch of its pioneering AI Lab. The initiative reflects the university’s mission to align academic programs with evolving workforce demands in an era shaped by rapid technological advancement. Elise Awwad, president and CEO of DeVry University, emphasized the importance of preparing learners for the future. “Learners are eager to harness the power of AI, and we’ve continued strengthening our industry-informed curriculum so the skills we teach align directly with what the workforce needs—not just today, but in the years to come,” she said. Over the past two years, DeVry has embedded AI into every stage of the student experience, from course design and faculty development to academic support and career services. Dr. Shantanu Bose, provost and chief academic officer, highlighted the growing importance of AI literacy. “In today’s AI-powered workforce, AI skills are the new currency—and those who want to thrive must continuously learn, upskill and reskill,” he said. DeVry is working to make AI literacy a core component of every course, providing students with access to AI-powered learning assistants that offer 24/7 support, writing help, and personalized tutoring in engineering, technology, and health information management. A key innovation is the introduction of Agentic AI, which goes beyond basic automation by acting as an interactive teaching partner. These AI coaches encourage critical thinking, track progress, and adapt to individual learning styles, helping students stay engaged and accountable. This approach shifts the focus from transactional learning to meaningful, personalized experiences. To support professional development, DeVry launched DeVryPro earlier this year—an AI-powered online learning platform developed in collaboration with industry leaders. It offers self-paced, practical courses designed for working professionals seeking to upskill or reskill. Complementing this, the university enhanced its career services with HireDeVry, a centralized hub for career planning, job search tools, and employer connections. The push for AI integration is driven by labor market trends. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, AI-driven demand in data processing, software development, and cybersecurity is projected to grow by 7.5% in professional services and 6.5% in information sectors by 2034. A DeVry report, Closing the Gap: Upskilling and Reskilling in an AI Era, found that while nearly half of workers see AI as a tool to simplify their jobs, 60% of employers worry that AI is leaving some employees behind. The World Economic Forum estimates that 59% of workers will need reskilling by 2030, yet 11% may not have access to it. In response, DeVry aims to integrate AI literacy and skill-building into 100% of its courses by the end of the academic year. Programs span foundational AI courses to advanced graduate-level offerings, ensuring students gain relevant, real-world competencies. As DeVry celebrates the second anniversary of its AI Lab, it remains focused on innovation, adaptability, and empowering learners to not only meet future challenges but lead them. The university continues to position itself at the forefront of AI-driven education, helping students build momentum toward successful, dynamic careers.