Franz Center
September 18, 2025
As artificial intelligence rapidly races to transform the workplace and business operations, the University of Portland (UP) has an inviting prompt for executives who want in on the revolution.
Starting November 4, UP faculty and industry experts will be leading a six-month, Franz Center Executive Education Program, titled, Competing in the Age of AI—Strategy, Execution & Ethics. The program runs every other Tuesday afternoon through April.
UP designed the executive AI deep dive for senior managers, VPs, C-Suite leaders, and board members who want to harness the power of this emerging technology. Through expert-led learning sessions focused on practical AI applications, participants will learn ways to integrate AI into operations, strategies to enhance products and services, and skills to foster an AI-positive culture throughout their organizations.
“AI is not just another shiny tool—it can be an absolute ROI game-changer if you learn how to deploy it measurably and responsibly,” said UP Professor and Program Director Jon Down, PhD. “As more employees bring their own AI to the workplace, companies need disciplined AI leadership and a coherent plan. Our six-month program will bridge that gap; helping executives build AI policy, run pilot projects, and deliver long-term value.”
The program’s first cohort of business leaders will meet twice per month on UP’s scenic North Portland campus, with online/recorded learning options available. Each of the 12 primary sessions run Tuesday afternoons from 4:10 – 6:30 p.m. Six additional special meetings will take place at Portland-area businesses that have implemented successful AI initiatives.
“We at the University of Portland are very excited to offer this new opportunity to leaders eager to engage emerging AI tools more effectively,” said UP Provost David Mengel, PhD. “It’s another example of how UP is leaning into our values to advance effective and ethical applications of AI tools on our campus and in the wider community.”
Dr. Down says the six month, every-other-Tuesday program will give executives a longer runway to fully grasp AI from a tactical, strategic, and ethical perspective. From start-to-finish, the program content will cover:
Sessions will be led by UP faculty who teach, research, and apply AI, alongside AI experts from companies such as Nike, Cascadia Solutions, Nemko Digital, and Aderant, with additional partners participating. Participants will earn a University of Portland Franz Center Certificate of Completion—recognizing mastery of AI strategy, execution, and ethics.
UP’s Competing in the Age of AI website contains a form for interested executives to receive more information about the program, as well as a short video From Dr. Jon Down – down@up.edu.
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
This website uses cookies to track information for analytics purposes. You can view the full University of Portland privacy policy for more information.
