Artificial intelligence that answers questions is already becoming part of everyday life. Now Alabama A&M University is helping educators prepare for AI that can take the next step — planning and carrying out tasks with varying levels of autonomy.
About 180 educators, researchers, institutional leaders and information technology professionals gathered in Huntsville and online earlier this month for Alabama A&M’s second AI boot camp, this time focusing on agentic AI. Participants represented institutions from across the country, with a particular focus on historically Black colleges and universities, minority-serving institutions and community colleges.
The two-day Agentic AI Boot Camp, held Sept. 1-2 at AAMU’s Ernest L. Knight Center and online, was presented in partnership with the Alliance for AI Transformation, Amazon Web Services, and AWS Machine Learning University.
So, what exactly is agentic AI?
Unlike generative AI, which generally responds to a user’s prompts, agentic AI can go a step further. AI agents can be designed to reason, make a plan, and carry out tasks with varying levels of independence. The September boot camp built on AAMU’s first Generative AI Boot Camp in June, giving participants a closer look at how the newer technology works.
Participants got hands-on experience using AWS tools to build and test AI agents and explored how the technology could be used in the classroom, research and day-to-day university operations. The training also covered responsible AI practices and how the technology can be expanded for broader use.
The boot camp is part of a larger AI push at the Huntsville university.
“Alabama A&M has made AI a major priority for our University, and the boot camps have helped to support the AI initiatives launched by our president, Dr. Daniel K. Wims, about two years ago,” said Dr. Majed El-Dweik, AAMU vice president of Research and Economic Development.
Earlier this year, 256 Today reported that AAMU was preparing to launch what university officials described as Alabama’s first bachelor’s degree program in artificial intelligence.
AAMU is also one of five regional lead institutions for AWS Machine Learning University, a designation the university says expands access to AI and machine learning training, curriculum and collaborative learning opportunities.
Dr. Marjorie Vela, head of strategic academic initiatives for Machine Learning University at AWS, said the organization is working closely with educators, particularly those at HBCUs and community colleges, to reduce barriers to adopting AI.
“Students gain a whole new perspective on AI when faculty not only use AI tools but also integrate AI into classroom instruction,” Vela said.
The boot camp was moderated by Dr. Calvin Briggs, founder and president of the Southern Center for Broadening Participation in STEM. He said the training was designed to help faculty and staff move beyond simply learning about AI and consider how it can help students.
“The purpose of this boot camp is really to provide faculty and staff around the Southeast from HBCUs and minority-serving institutions an opportunity to learn about AI, whether it’s generative or agentic, and how these tools can really support and assist student success within their classrooms,” Briggs said.
State Rep. Laura Hall (D-Huntsville) also addressed participants during the program.
The Alliance for AI Transformation works with higher education and industry to help colleges and universities incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning into teaching, research and institutional operations. Its work includes faculty training, industry-aligned curriculum, cloud-based learning environments and pathways aimed at preparing students for an AI-driven workforce.
Participants also visited the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, connecting what they learned at the boot camp with Huntsville’s broader work in science, technology and innovation.
AAMU said a third boot camp is planned for spring 2027.
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.
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