Building on more than a decade of leadership in digital learning and a proven track record of steering the University of 麻豆传媒’s initial response to artificial intelligence (AI), Gloria Niles will transition into the role of Chief Academic Technology Innovation Officer on March 19.
In this executive role within the UH President’s Office, Niles will lead the modernization of technological infrastructure and coordinate innovation across the university’s 10-campus system while grounding global innovation in Native Hawaiian values. Her core mandate includes developing a comprehensive AI strategy to enhance research capabilities, administrative efficiency and instructional environments.
“Gloria brings a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking vision to this critical new role,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “As AI transforms higher education and the global workforce, her leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the University of 麻豆传媒 remains at the forefront of innovation while honoring our unique cultural commitments.”
Niles brings 11 years of experience within the UH System to her new position. She started as a faculty member at UH West Oʻahu’s Department of Education in 2015, subsequently serving as the campus’s director of distance learning for four years. In 2022, she transitioned to the UH System as the director of online learning, where she oversaw the academic technologies unit. Her exceptional leadership in this space was recently celebrated when she was named the inaugural recipient of the WCET Russ Poulin Award for Excellence in Digital Learning Policy.
Moving UH forward
A major priority for Niles in her first year is formulating an AI strategy that prepares incoming K–12 students and university graduates for an evolving, AI-enabled job market. This includes creating robust governance frameworks to address rapidly changing privacy, security and environmental impacts.
“Our goals include developing an action plan and a strategic roadmap for AI integration. We aim to implement these technologies thoughtfully, ensuring they align with Native Hawaiian values within our internal operations and working with faculty to integrate AI across the curriculum,” Niles said.
She envisions a coordinated curricular strategy starting from overarching institutional learning outcomes down to course-specific goals, ensuring that all graduates have the AI literacy necessary for their respective disciplines. Equally important to this modernization effort is maintaining the university’s cultural foundation as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.
“As an Indigenous-serving institution with a kuleana (responsibility) to the Native Hawaiian community, any steps we take toward AI integration must be grounded in Hawaiian culture and values,” Niles said.
Niles has been at the forefront of UH‘s AI response since late 2022, having co-led the systemwide AI strategy council. She holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational management, a master’s in education, a PhD in special education leadership, and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.