Old ֱ University continues to lead in artificial intelligence (AI) with the launch of MonarchMind, a secure, University-hosted generative AI platform designed specifically for faculty and staff. Built to support productivity, while prioritizing privacy, security and ethical AI use, MonarchMind provides a controlled AI environment that aligns with the unique needs of higher education.
“The launch of MonarchMind is a defining moment in Old ֱ University’s journey toward becoming a national leader in AI innovation,” said President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., “This powerful tool underscores our commitment to equipping faculty and staff with cutting-edge technology that enhances research, teaching and operations, while maintaining the highest standards of security and ethical responsibility. MonarchMind is more than just an AI interface; it is a testament to ODU’s forward-focused vision and our dedication to preparing the Monarch community for an AI-driven future.”
As AI rapidly transforms industries, higher education has a critical opportunity to harness its potential responsibly. MonarchMind was designed to help faculty and staff integrate AI into their daily work without compromising security or ethical standards. Unlike public AI tools, MonarchMind operates within a closed, University-managed system, thereby ensuring data remains encrypted and securely stored within ODU’s infrastructure. By offering access to powerful AI tools, faculty and staff can enhance learning, research and operations, while upholding institutional values.
“MonarchMind marks a significant step in ODU’s commitment to innovation,” said Nina Rodriguez Gonser, Vice President for Digital Transformation & Technology. “This platform, empowers our faculty and staff with secure, cutting-edge AI tools that streamline workflows, enhance productivity and enrich the academic experience. This is just the beginning of ODU’s AI journey, and we are excited to see how our community leverages this transformative technology.”
By integrating foundational AI models into a responsible and mission-driven framework, MonarchMind enables faculty and staff to explore AI’s potential while upholding ODU’s values of security, integrity and academic excellence.
“MonarchMind is built with higher education’s unique challenges and opportunities in mind,” said Chrysoula Malogianni, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Digital Innovation. “We are not just adopting AI; we are shaping how it can be responsibly integrated into teaching, research and University operations. MonarchMind provides a structured, ethical AI environment that allows faculty and staff to innovate confidently.”
MonarchMind is part of ODU’s broader AI strategy, which includes initiatives like the AI Teaching Fellows Program, the Centennial Cluster Hiring Initiative, and research projects focused on coastal resilience, healthcare, maritime operations and cybersecurity. These initiatives position ODU as a pioneer of AI-driven transformation in higher education.
With MonarchMind, ODU is not just embracing AI but setting a new standard for its ethical and strategic use to ensure that faculty and staff have access to powerful, responsible and forward-thinking AI tools. Faculty and staff can begin exploring MonarchMind at using their MIDAS ID.