Glenski Applauds New Institute for Applied AI

As the field of artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates at incredible speed, Minnesota State Moorhead is stepping confidently into the future with the launch of its new Institute for Applied AI. Among its enthusiastic supporters is alumna Jenny Glenski ’13 (mathematics), who also earned a certificate in business analytics from the university in 2014.

Now the Director of Product Management at BMC Software, Glenski has carved out a nationally recognized career at the intersection of data, AI, and business innovation. Her work focuses on developing cutting-edge products that help companies address significant challenges in data management, automation, and decision-making. In 2023, she received the Gold Stevie Award for Product Developer of the Year from the American Business Awards.

“A lot of companies are adopting and integrating AI across the board,” Glenski says. “It’s important to keep up with competitive advantages in a much broader range of cases than have been studied, used or taught before.”

That’s why she sees MSUM’s new Institute for Applied AI as such a timely and strategic move.

Preparing Students for the Real World

“The Institute for Applied AI is going to make MSUM students better candidates for jobs because they will know how to leverage the extra power that AI gives them,” Glenski explains. “This isn’t just a trend—it’s shaping the future of nearly every industry.”

Glenski believes the Institute will appeal to students across a range of disciplines, not just those in computer science or mathematics. From healthcare to government to business, she sees AI transforming how organizations operate and creating new career opportunities in the process.

“It’s very relevant and timely for the needs of industries today,” she says. “It shows Moorhead’s strategic planning to help today’s workforce. The university is really showcasing itself as forward-thinking.”

Harnessing AI for Good

Though AI is often associated with chatbots and automation tools, Glenski emphasizes that its potential extends far beyond that.

“The tools that we’re building today help make things work on a large scale,” she says. “It’s not just about the loudest voice but understanding the different needs of the people that we serve.”

Glenski, who also teaches part-time at Georgia Tech, views technology as a neutral tool, one that can improve lives when guided by ethical and thoughtful human intention.

“AI is not inherently good or bad. My perspective on new technologies is that they are tools,” she says. “Like anything else, the outcome of these tools depends on the human intention behind their use.”

A Bright Future for Students

As a rising leader in AI and technology, Glenski is excited to see her alma mater creating pathways for students to engage with cutting-edge technology in meaningful ways.

“Artificial Intelligence is here in a big way,” she says. “Minnesota State Moorhead’s new Institute for Applied AI will give students the foundation they need not just to keep up but to lead.”

Read more about the 2023 Outstanding Young Alumni Award winner Jenny Glenski.