Sanethia Thomas, Ph.D., and assistant instructional professor, was selected as a co-recipient of the inaugural AI Educator of the Year Award. The award was created by the AI2 Center, the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE), and the Center for Instructional Technology & Training (CITT) to honor educators at the University of Florida who have made a significant contribution to using AI in teaching and learning. 

“I am deeply honored and grateful to receive the AI Educator of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my students over the past year,” Thomas said. “Together, we have harnessed the power of AI to make a meaningful impact on countless lives. AI is not just a tool but a transformative force, and I am excited to continue exploring its potential to create positive change.” 

The award recipients are selected by a committee of members from all three centers and were announced at the CTE Interface conference in April. The committee reviewed over 80 nominations this year. Thomas stood out for her dedication to experiential learning, which extended outside the classroom with her work on the AI Hackathon and her study abroad programs.