Ai reshapes michigan classrooms, workplaces, and homes

Published on 06/04/2026 23:03 in business • Bryant Monteilh

Michigan is grappling with the rapid integration of artificial intelligence, a transformation impacting everything from K-12 education to the state's workforce and even daily life. A recent panel discussion on Michigan Matters, featuring leaders from Oakland County, Michigan Works, and Lawrence Technological University (LTU), illuminated both the opportunities and challenges presented by this technological surge.

Karl Daubmann, Provost at LTU, detailed how AI is fundamentally altering the learning landscape. The discussion centered on how institutions are adapting curricula and pedagogical approaches to equip students with skills relevant in an AI-driven world. The challenge, Daubmann suggested, isn't simply teaching about AI, but fostering a critical understanding of its implications and limitations.

Jennifer Lewellyn, Director of Oakland County Michigan Works, offered a contrasting perspective, highlighting the immediate needs of Michigan businesses. “We’re seeing companies, both large and small, aggressively adopting AI,” she stated. The demand for a workforce capable of leveraging these tools is already outstripping supply. This necessitates a closer collaboration between educational institutions like LTU and workforce development programs to ensure a pipeline of skilled talent.

LTU President Tarek Sobh, recently appointed to the Michigan Education Trust board and now leading the Association of Independent Technological Universities (which includes MIT and others), underscored the breadth of AI’s influence. His dual roles put him at the intersection of education policy and technological innovation, offering a unique vantage point on the future of work and learning.

Beyond the classroom: ai

Beyond the classroom: ai's impact on michigan's economy

The conversation shifted to encompass the broader economic implications. Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and State Representative Jason Hoskins, both alumni of MSU's Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP), added their insights, drawing on their experiences in the program known for its nonpartisan training. Hackel emphasized the vital role of workforce development in attracting and retaining businesses in the region. Hoskins highlighted the need for policymakers to understand the technology's complexities and to craft regulations that encourage innovation while mitigating potential risks.

Tonya Schuitmaker, co-director of the MPLP, noted that over 800 alumni have gone on to careers in politics, government affairs, and community service, a testament to the program’s effectiveness in cultivating leaders equipped to tackle complex challenges—such as the AI revolution.

The discussion culminated with a preview of the MPLP Annual Dinner on April 29th in Lansing, headlined by CBS News chief Washington analyst Robert Costa, and moderated by myself. The event, expected to draw over 600 attendees, serves as a crucial fundraiser for the program's ongoing efforts to cultivate the next generation of Michigan leaders.

The takeaway is clear: Michigan’s future hinges on its ability to adapt to, and harness, the transformative power of AI.