Pulse Check: First Movers Part 3

About The Episode:

In this episode of First Movers, a pulse check series brought to you by Enrollify and Everspring, we explore how DePaul University's Driehaus College of Business is pioneering the integration of AI across its curriculum. Host Rhea Vitalis is joined by James Moore, Director of Online Learning, and Jim Mourey, Associate Dean of Graduate Programs, along with Andrea Gilbert of Everspring, to unpack how DePaul is transforming both business education and student discovery through intentional AI adoption. From curriculum design to marketing strategy, the episode offers a front-row seat to how one institution is closing the AI skills gap—and what others can learn from their bold approach.

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Key Takeaways

• AI Integration Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential: With 86% of employers expecting transformation through AI, DePaul has embedded AI into every core course across its MBA program.
• Curriculum Must Be Reflective, Not Reactive: DePaul rejected the “AI concentration” model in favor of full integration to foster technological agility.
• Skills Before Tools: Rather than focusing solely on teaching AI tools, DePaul emphasizes when, how, and why to use AI—building students’ critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Storytelling Fuels Marketing in an AI World: DePaul’s AI-driven marketing strategy is anchored in authentic student stories that boost visibility in AI search results.
• AI is Changing Student Discovery: From SEO to answer engine optimization, schools must now optimize content for how students search using AI tools—not just traditional web search.
• Human Skills Still Matter: Courses like improv and applied communication help students balance machine fluency with interpersonal connection and leadership presence.

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Episode Summary

What problem is DePaul solving with AI in its business curriculum?

DePaul is addressing the growing disconnect between employer demand for AI fluency and the slow integration of AI into higher ed curricula. Instead of waiting, the Driehaus College of Business is proactively embedding AI into every core MBA course. This ensures graduates enter the job market with real-world AI fluency—not just theoretical exposure. The goal? To make AI skills as second-nature as using a calculator or Excel.

Why didn’t DePaul just create an AI concentration?

Rather than siloing AI into a concentration or elective, DePaul chose to treat AI as a foundational competency—like writing or data literacy. The reasoning is simple: AI will influence every function in business, from marketing to finance. Building technological agility into every course ensures students can adapt to evolving tools and apply AI critically and ethically, no matter their role.

How is DePaul preparing students to use AI responsibly?

Responsibility and ethical decision-making are central to DePaul’s approach. Students are taught not just how to use AI, but when to use it—and when not to. By embedding AI applications throughout the curriculum, students develop instinctive judgment and fluency. Instructors also address concerns around bias in AI models, ensuring students are equipped to engage critically with the technology.

How did faculty respond to integrating AI?

Like any transformational change, there was initial resistance. Some faculty were hesitant, citing longstanding teaching methods. But market forces—especially student demand for AI skills—pushed the initiative forward. DePaul’s business faculty embraced the shift by adapting coursework and assessment strategies to include AI applications, creating more engaging and practical learning experiences.

What role does student demand play?

Today’s students expect AI integration. It’s no longer a “nice to have”—it’s table stakes. Graduate applicants often ask how AI is incorporated into programs. Moreover, students are already using tools like ChatGPT in and out of the classroom. DePaul’s strategy acknowledges this reality and seeks to guide students in using these tools thoughtfully and effectively.

How does DePaul’s AI strategy show up in its marketing?

Marketing at DePaul mirrors its curriculum innovation. By partnering with Everspring, DePaul has overhauled its content strategy for AI visibility. From optimizing for Google’s AI-driven search results to increasing keyword rankings with answer-focused blog content, the institution has redefined how it shows up where prospective students are searching. This includes reducing cost-per-lead and increasing conversion by more than 50% through performance-focused strategies.

What is “Answer Engine Optimization,” and why does it matter?

As prospective students shift from search engines to AI chat tools for college research, the traditional SEO playbook is no longer enough. DePaul has adopted answer engine optimization—crafting content that directly answers long-form, nuanced questions. This ensures that AI models cite DePaul’s content when students search for the “best online MBA for a career pivot” or “how to become a CPA with AI tools.”

How does DePaul balance AI skills with human skills?

DePaul isn’t abandoning interpersonal development. Courses like improv play a vital role in helping students enhance communication, creativity, and empathy—skills machines can’t replicate. The goal is not just to train technically proficient grads, but also emotionally intelligent professionals who can lead with confidence in a tech-mediated world.

How are students responding to AI-first education?

While some students initially resist AI, DePaul sees its role as creating informed consumers of the technology. Students from non-business disciplines, like music or theatre, are learning how to use AI responsibly in ways that align with their values and goals. Encouraging experimentation and reflection helps students develop confidence and clarity about when and how to use AI.

What’s the long-term vision for business education?

DePaul envisions classrooms that move away from lecture-heavy models to active learning environments where AI supports deeper engagement. Students might enter class already coached by personal AI tools, allowing for richer discussions and more meaningful group work. In this future, reflection and demonstration—not rote memorization—take center stage.

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