University of Kentucky partners with Microsoft to advance responsible AI across education, research and care
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 25, 2025) - The University of Kentucky (UK) is among the nation's first institutions to collaborate with Microsoft on a comprehensive, responsible AI framework. The partnership is being operationalized through UK's Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy (CATS AI) and expands the Advancing Kentucky Together (AKT) Network with Microsoft as a corporate partner.
This move gives UK early access to Microsoft's newest AI resources for teaching, learning, health care and discovery - with a strong emphasis on governance and community impact.
Why it matters for PR and communications
This is a high-visibility, cross-campus adoption moment. Communicators will be central in aligning messages, preparing stakeholders and setting clear expectations for how AI will support - not replace - human judgment in classrooms, clinics and labs.
Clear governance, consistent language and fast, practical training will make or break adoption. Expect questions about data privacy, academic integrity, accessibility and workforce impact. Prepare answers early and keep them updated as pilots scale.
What the collaboration includes
- Campus access: Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, Microsoft 365 and the new Agent Store for students, faculty and staff.
- Developer enablement: GitHub Copilot to accelerate internal AI solutions.
- Health care support: Dragon Copilot for clinicians to streamline documentation and improve patient care workflows.
- Research tools: Discovery Platform to support studies across the research enterprise.
Leadership perspective
"This collaboration reflects what's possible when innovation is guided by purpose. Microsoft is helping place Kentucky in the lead - not only in terms of early access to powerful tools but in how those tools are applied to solve real challenges with communities," said UK President Eli Capilouto. "Collaborating on this shared mission will help us do that for Kentucky by ensuring that every student, employee and community we serve has access to the tools driving the future."
Governance and structure
CATS AI is UK's institution-wide framework for responsible AI in education, research, health care and operations. It connects initiatives across 17 colleges, libraries, UK HealthCare and research centers, ensuring standards and progress are coordinated.
AKT Network is the statewide partnership that links UK's research, service and learning capabilities with civic, community, education and industry partners. Together with Microsoft, UK will design, test and share practical approaches to AI across classroom learning, clinical training, research, workforce development and community engagement.
Comms checklist: what to prepare now
- Message map: Define the core narrative: why AI, why now, how it supports people, and how UK will steward responsible use.
- Stakeholder FAQs: Tailor versions for students, faculty, clinicians, researchers and staff. Address data, academic integrity, accessibility, IP and privacy.
- Governance storytelling: Explain how CATS AI sets guardrails and how pilots will be evaluated and scaled.
- Training plan: Provide short, role-specific learning paths and quick-start guides for Copilot, GitHub Copilot and Dragon Copilot.
- Use-case library: Showcase practical wins (e.g., syllabus prep, literature reviews, clinical note drafts, grant support, internal knowledge search).
- Measurement: Publish clear metrics: time saved, quality improvements, student/clinician satisfaction, and compliance audits.
- Feedback loops: Set up channels for issues, ideas and success stories; close the loop publicly to build trust.
Suggested language for your releases and internal updates
- Purpose-first: "AI will support learning, care and discovery while keeping people in the decision-making loop."
- Responsible use: "UK's policies follow industry and federal guidance on safety, privacy and accessibility."
- Access and equity: "Tools will be available across campus with training designed for different roles and skill levels."
- Proof over hype: "We'll share pilot outcomes and standards before scaling."
Context and standards
To align messages on ethics and safety, reference established frameworks such as Microsoft's approach to responsible AI and federal guidance like NIST's AI Risk Management Framework.
About the University of Kentucky's initiative
As Kentucky's flagship, land-grant institution, UK serves the Commonwealth through education, research, service and health care. With 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center on one campus, UK is positioned to test and scale responsible AI in real learning, clinical and research environments.
Helpful resource for PR and communications teams
If you're planning role-based training or communications for AI rollouts, you can browse practical course paths by role here: AI courses by job. Use this to map quick-start learning to each stakeholder group.
Your membership also unlocks:
