AIExpansion – Regional Universities Unite to Advance Workforce Innovation
AIExpansion – Northwestern Mutual’s Data Science Institute is broadening its reach, bringing three additional higher education institutions into a growing regional partnership aimed at strengthening artificial intelligence education and workforce readiness.
The Milwaukee School of Engineering, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Waukesha County Technical College are the newest members of the institute, joining the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University, which co-founded the initiative in 2018. The expansion was formally announced on February 12 during an event titled “Elevating and Accelerating AI Excellence in Southeast Wisconsin.”
Expansion Signals Stronger Regional Collaboration
Tim Gerend, chief executive officer of Northwestern Mutual, described the move as a step toward building a more connected AI ecosystem in the region. Speaking to educators, business leaders, and policymakers gathered for the event, he emphasized the importance of cultivating local expertise to meet future industry demands.
According to Gerend, the collaboration is designed not only to attract emerging talent but also to strengthen the skills of employees already in the workforce. By pooling institutional resources, the institute aims to create a unified approach to artificial intelligence training that supports both current professionals and the next generation of workers.
Institutions Align Around AI Education and Research
Leaders from each participating institution took part in a panel discussion outlining how their campuses are incorporating artificial intelligence into academic programs and research initiatives.
Richard Barnhouse, president and CEO of Waukesha County Technical College, highlighted how the partnership is already delivering practical results. He pointed to the college’s applied AI laboratory, where graduate-level researchers from partner universities are collaborating on projects alongside technical college students. Barnhouse said such cooperation strengthens program development and helps address rising demand for skilled professionals.
He noted that combining resources across institutions creates a more seamless pipeline of talent, allowing students at various stages of education to gain exposure to advanced research and real-world applications.
Integrating AI Across Disciplines
At the Milwaukee School of Engineering, artificial intelligence is being embedded across a wide range of disciplines, from engineering and business to healthcare education. MSOE President Eric Baumgartner said the institution is leveraging its technical strengths to contribute faculty expertise and student innovation to the broader initiative.
He described the partnership as an opportunity to connect academic research with industry needs, ensuring that graduates are prepared for rapidly evolving career paths shaped by automation and data-driven technologies.
Healthcare and Equity in Focus
For the Medical College of Wisconsin, artificial intelligence presents opportunities that extend beyond technology development. Dr. John Raymond, president and CEO of the medical college, explained that advanced data analysis can help uncover underlying factors contributing to health disparities, many of which are closely tied to economic conditions.
Raymond said closer ties with technical colleges and engineering institutions would enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing medical researchers, data scientists, and applied technology experts to work more directly with one another. He expressed confidence that deeper connections across campuses would accelerate progress in both healthcare innovation and community impact.
Workforce Development at the Center
State workforce officials also underscored the broader economic implications of the institute’s expansion. Amy Pechacek, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, attended the announcement and stressed that artificial intelligence should serve as a tool to support workers rather than replace them.
She said career pathways in AI-related fields can be developed in ways that are inclusive and accessible, offering opportunities to individuals regardless of location, age, or financial circumstances. According to Pechacek, collaboration between universities, technical colleges, and employers is key to ensuring that technological advancement strengthens the labor market without leaving segments of the population behind.
With five institutions now formally aligned under the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute, regional leaders say the focus will remain on expanding educational access, promoting innovation, and preparing Southeast Wisconsin for the next phase of the digital economy.