Hugh Lytle, an Independent candidate for Arizona governor and entrepreneur, answered questions about his proposed solution for college affordability, a state-sponsored artificial intelligence (AI) university, during his first campaign visit to NAU’s campus on Jan. 30.
As part of his “8 Visions for State 48,” Lytle said he aims to help Arizona students overcome their education debt by developing an AI university with $99 tuition per semester.
Lytle said the AI university would utilize a flipped classroom approach and would be developed through a collaboration between the Arizona State University system, professors and the AI technology sector.
In a flipped classroom, students work with readings, videos and other materials outside of the classroom before meeting with instructors and classmates for interactive activities such as group discussions.
Lytle did not specify how exactly AI would be used in a flipped classroom, whether the university would be fully online or what a collaboration between universities and the technology sector would involve.
He did not respond to requests for clarifying information after the interview.
Lytle acknowledged that there are limitations in what AI can be used for, which will result in restricted degree offerings. He said AI is still improving and has an increasing prominence in education.
“It is already a part of school culture, whether it is embraced or not, I don’t know,” Lytle said. “It depends on the instructor, I believe, or the school. I don’t believe it is a panacea. I do believe it is a strong first step, though, in democratizing education and lowering costs.”
The existence of an AI state university is dependent on whether or not Lytle wins the governorship and follows through with his plan.
When asked how he planned to decrease the cost of four-year universities like NAU, Lytle said that he was unsure if these schools still provide a worthwhile return on investment.
He proposed working with the Arizona Board of Regents and universities to expand online education—outside of the AI university—as a way to reduce tuition. Lytle ultimately said he envisioned a more disruptive solution, like his proposed university, coming to traditional higher education before a decrease in tuition prices.
Lytle and his campaign staff said he would return to NAU in the future to meet with and hear from university leadership and students. There are no confirmed dates yet for his next event on campus.
Toxicity and division between both national parties are what Lytle said motivated him to run for governor. He said students should vote for him because of his status as a self-named political disruptor, outsider and his experiences as a business executive.
Lytle urged anyone at NAU who is confused by or untrusting of the current political system to join the conversation during his next visit.
“I’d love to have a dialogue about what independence means and what we’re after here—which by the way is unifying the two parties, not creating a third party,” Lytle said.
For more information about Lytle’s campaign and policies, visit his website.