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Glenville State University’s Dr. Dwight Heaster to Present AI-Driven Curriculum Innovation at National Conference
Thu Mar 5, 2026
Dr. Dwight Heaster to Present AI-Driven Curriculum Innovation at National Conference

GLENVILLE, WV – Building on a year of intensive research and implementation, Glenville State University (GSU) Associate Professor of Business, Dr. Dwight Heaster, has been selected as a presenter for the 2026 Teaching and Learning with AI Conference. This achievement follows Dr. Heaster’s selection as the recipient of the 2025 Pete and Betsy Barr Professional Development Award.

The Barr Award, established in 2010 by former GSU President Dr. Peter Barr and First Lady Betsy Barr, provides faculty and staff with the resources to pursue high-level professional growth. Dr. Heaster, who attended the national conference last year as a participant to gather foundational insights, returns this year as a featured speaker to share GSU’s progress in "Human-First" AI integration.

Leading the Charge in Competency-Based Education Dr. Heaster’s presentation will focus on a pioneering model: The Utilization of AI in the Development of a Competency-Based Business Course. This approach leverages generative AI to move beyond traditional grading, focusing instead on whether students have mastered specific, real-world skills required by modern employers.

“My goal is to create a human-first approach to AI that gives our students the next generation of knowledge and experience needed to work and live in the future,” said Dr. Heaster. “By using AI to help develop competency-based pathways, we can provide more personalized instruction and ensure our business graduates are Day 1 ready for an AI-augmented workforce.”

A Multi-Disciplinary Vision for GSU the presentation marks a significant milestone in Dr. Heaster’s 18-month roadmap funded by the Barr Award, which includes:

  • National Knowledge Sharing: Presenting GSU’s findings at the University of Central Florida’s (UCF) "AI for All" ecosystem events.
  • Work-Life Efficiency: Demonstrating how AI can streamline administrative tasks for faculty, allowing for a more balanced work-life experience and more one-on-one time with students.
  • Advanced Training: Continuing his technical mastery through Google Grow and a series of global virtual AI summits.

“While my goal is to expand our students’ experience, there are so many opportunities for us to utilize AI to be more efficient in our work,” Dr. Heaster added. “We are bringing this information back to Glenville to develop a multidisciplinary group that keeps GSU at the forefront of educational technology.”

Dr. Heaster’s work positions Glenville State University as a leader in the "lean in" movement of higher education—carefully and ethically integrating AI to enhance, rather than replace, the human element of teaching.

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