Securing the Future with AI

Miro Humer, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Case Western Reserve University

With over 25 years in the higher education environment, Miro Humer brings a combination of strategic direction, operational oversight, and relationshipbuilding to his role as Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Case Western Reserve University. His career began in consulting, telecommunications, and banking, but an unexpected interview for a university position changed his path.

In an exclusive interview with Education Technology Insights, he shared his vital observations on the emphasis of artificial intelligence in the education sector.

Shaping AI as a Partner in Academic Excellence

Higher education is, at its core, mission-driven, centered on purpose rather than profit. When I came to this realization, I knew this was where I belonged. Over the course of nearly two decades at my first university and the past eight years at Case Western Reserve University, my focus has been to position artificial intelligence (AI) as a true partner in advancing academic excellence and research innovation.

In this journey, I have overseen everything from infrastructure stability and application systems to daily operations and long-term strategic planning. More importantly, I have worked hand-in-hand with schools and departments across the university to build strong, collaborative relationships. Through these efforts, I have helped shift the perception of AI from a behind-the-scenes support function to an active and visible partner in teaching, learning, and research.

AI at the Core of Higher Education

As AI evolves, it inherently raises challenges around governance. Setting clear policies and frameworks is critical to ensure that it is embraced responsibly. When implemented well, AI becomes not just a tool but a trusted and seamless part of the academic and administrative environment. At Case Western Reserve University, my objective has been precisely this, to balance AI’s potential with the safeguards of regulation.

“I love the purpose of it, which is to educate. It is not a profit motive, it is an education motive. It makes the world a better place”

One of our most significant initiatives has been the creation of a secure AI environment that enables students, faculty, and staff to harness the latest models while ensuring that sensitive data remains fully protected within the institution. Researchers can now upload their data with confidence, faculty can integrate AI into classrooms, and administrators can explore new operational applications, all within a secure, closed environment. As new models emerge, we continually incorporate them, ensuring our community has ongoing access to safe, powerful AI tools.

In the coming days, AI will become increasingly pervasive. Vendors are rapidly embedding AI into nearly every product, and generative AI in particular is advancing at unprecedented speed. Within the next five years, AI will become seamlessly woven into daily life, often invisible, yet always present.

Guidance to Fellow Peers

I consistently emphasize the critical role of strong AI governance. Clear guidelines for responsible use, rigorous evaluation of new tools, and open communication are not simply procedural steps; they are safeguards that allow institutions to innovate safely and sustainably. Governance transforms AI from a potential risk into a trusted partner in progress.

In higher education, we carry the dual responsibility of protecting knowledge and guiding the people who will shape the future. By embracing AI with both purpose and accountability, we can ensure that technology rises to its highest calling: empowering education to change the world for the better.

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