UC Leverages AI to Reinvent Higher Education

Bharat Prabhakaran shares how the University of Cincinnati is using AI to boost student success, governance, and future-ready learning.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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On the CAIO Connect Podcast, Bharat Prabhakaran, VP & Chief Digital Officer at the University of Cincinnati, discussed how the university is adapting enterprise-grade AI thinking to its mission-driven, governance-heavy academic environment. From building its own Azure OpenAI instance called Bearcat GPT to developing AI tutoring tools like Bearcat Study Pal, UC is pioneering the use of AI in higher education with a focus on student outcomes, not profit.

Why it matters

As universities face enrollment uncertainty, the University of Cincinnati's AI transformation showcases how academic institutions can leverage technology to improve student success, streamline operations, and prepare learners for the future. UC's approach emphasizes governance, stakeholder alignment, and a people-first mindset, providing a model for other colleges and universities looking to responsibly integrate AI.

The details

The University of Cincinnati's AI initiatives are being led by Bharat Prabhakaran, who previously spent 18 years at Oracle before transitioning to higher education. At UC, Prabhakaran has overseen the creation of Bearcat GPT, the university's own Azure OpenAI instance, which is being piloted with 1,000 users and governed by four committees focused on teaching, responsible AI, policy, and operations. The university has also developed AI tutoring tools like Bearcat Study Pal, which use a Socratic design to guide students rather than simply providing answers. Prabhakaran emphasized the importance of aligning AI initiatives with institutional goals, communicating clearly with stakeholders, and prioritizing people and processes over technology.

  • Bharat Prabhakaran joined the University of Cincinnati after spending 18 years at Oracle.
  • UC created Bearcat GPT, its own Azure OpenAI instance, and is currently piloting it with 1,000 users.
  • The university has developed AI tutoring tools like Bearcat Study Pal to support student learning.

The players

Bharat Prabhakaran

Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at the University of Cincinnati, who previously spent 18 years at Oracle.

Sanjay Puri

Founder and Chairman of Knowledge Networks, who hosted Bharat Prabhakaran on the CAIO Connect Podcast.

University of Cincinnati

A public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio, which is pioneering the use of AI in higher education.

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What they’re saying

“You are as good as your network. Make conscious deep connections — not transactional ones.”

— Bharat Prabhakaran, Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, University of Cincinnati (CAIO Connect Podcast)

What’s next

The University of Cincinnati plans to continue expanding its use of AI across campus, including integrating Bearcat GPT and Bearcat Study Pal with the Canvas learning management system to provide personalized support for students.

The takeaway

The University of Cincinnati's AI transformation demonstrates how academic institutions can leverage technology to improve student outcomes and operational efficiency, while prioritizing governance, stakeholder alignment, and a people-first approach. As universities face enrollment challenges, UC's model provides a blueprint for other colleges and universities looking to responsibly integrate AI into their campuses.