How UC Davis Surprised Itself With Generative AI

Generative AI Surpasses Expectations at UC Davis

Tammy Kenber, Chief Human Resources Officer at UC Davis and UC Davis Health, shared candid insights about her team’s initial experience with generative AI. Far from overstating, she expressed genuine surprise at how well the technology performed. “It’s way better than I expected it to be,” she said, reflecting on how AI has been integrated into human resources and healthcare workflows. The response from users has been overwhelmingly positive.

With nearly 40,000 employees spread across both an academic institution and a large health system, implementing digital tools at UC Davis is complex. Yet their approach to AI adoption is practical and thoughtful. Clear governance, a strong focus on employee experience, and strict attention to privacy and ethics guide their efforts. This balanced strategy offers useful lessons for HR professionals looking to introduce AI responsibly within large organizations.

Building AI Tools Within a Secure Environment

AI is now a key part of daily operations at UC Davis. One of the most visible changes is to “Aggie Service,” the university’s central service hub. By embedding AI within their own secure firewall, UC Davis ensures data privacy while improving efficiency.

This internal approach allows the university to maintain control over sensitive information. It also helps build trust among employees, who are often cautious about technology handling personal and workplace data. For HR leaders, this highlights the importance of balancing innovation with security and transparency.

Practical Benefits for HR Teams

• Improved Workflow Efficiency: AI streamlines routine HR tasks, freeing up staff to focus on higher-value work.
• Enhanced Employee Experience: Tools powered by generative AI provide quicker, more accurate responses to employee inquiries.
• Ethical Use and Privacy: Careful governance ensures AI applications align with privacy standards and ethical considerations.

UC Davis’s experience shows that integrating AI does not require compromising core values or employee trust. Instead, with the right framework, AI can become a trusted partner that supports HR teams and improves service delivery.

For HR professionals interested in practical AI training and resources, exploring targeted courses can be a great next step. Comprehensive programs covering AI tools and ethical implementation are available at Complete AI Training.