Future-proofing The Fleet: Barry's AI Center Building The Future
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
By Matthew Cole
In a rapidly shifting digital landscape, Barry University is no longer just talking about the future of artificial intelligence—it is building it.
While many institutions are still debating the ethics of AI in the classroom, Barry has taken a pioneering leap as the first in the region to embed AI across every single academic program.
From the arts and humanities to the executive boardrooms of the MBA program, the message is clear: AI literacy is the new standard.
Senior Director for Innovation and Technology Education Tarik Safouan has a clear plan for Barry’s AI Center and what it means for students looking to stay ahead of the curve.
The "AI for All" mission isn't just a marketing slogan; it is a coordinated curriculum overhaul.
"Embedding AI across every academic program is not a simple update," Safouan said.
In collaboration with the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, the university launched a university-wide initiative in early 2025 to integrate industry-relevant AI use cases into existing courses while launching new, AI-native programs.
The goal is to ensure every student, regardless of their major, graduates with a shared foundation in AI literacy. Whether you are studying social work or finance, the new three-course AI certificate offers a "discipline-specific" track that ensures the technology feels relevant to your chosen career path.
For students who want to go beyond the theory, the Digital Transformation (DX) Lab serves as the Center’s crown jewel. Think of it as a high-tech incubator where students act as consultants for real-world clients.
"The DX Lab was designed to develop skills that are difficult to acquire through traditional coursework alone," said Safouan. "Students learn how to navigate multiple technologies and identify which tools align with real industry needs."
The lab is currently working with South Florida businesses and nonprofits such as Teen Talk and Branches Florida, positioning Barry as a regional hub for digital strategy. The vision for the future is a sustainable ecosystem where senior students mentor incoming members, creating a pipeline of talent that moves from intern to team lead before they even graduate.
One of the most unique aspects of Barry’s approach is the MBA Specialization in AI Strategy. Unlike traditional computer science tracks that focus on writing code, Barry is training the next generation of leaders to orchestrate AI transformation.
The program assumes students may have little to no technical background. Instead of teaching them how to build an engine, it teaches them how to drive the car—and where to go. Graduates learn how to evaluate AI tools, manage risks, and align technology with organizational goals, ensuring they can lead technical teams with confidence.
Safouan emphasized that the Center is about lowering the barrier to entry. By using tools like Claude, Google AI Studio and Figma AI, students are designing and testing solutions at a pace previously impossible.
The future of the AI Center is rooted in "action over narrative."
Students are already working on high-level projects, such as the Segway S1 robot app and early AI agent deployments. Supported by Catalyst Grants, students are now moving into the "execution" phase—launching actual products on the App Store rather than just finishing class assignments.
As Barry continues to host speakers such as Loren Blandon from Google DeepMind, who visited on November 6, 2025, the university is carving out a national profile.
But for Safouan, the true measure of success isn't in headlines—it’s in the students.
"When students develop real projects, some of them will become founders, researchers, and leaders," Safouan said. "That outcome speaks louder than positioning statements."
For students ready to dive in, the DX Lab is currently accepting applications from all majors. If you’re looking to launch a startup or simply prepare for a career where AI is inevitable, the door is open.
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