Dr. Asim Ali Shares How Auburn’s Biggio Center is Equipping Alabama’s Workforce for the Future

RCB President Jeff Stone and Rotarian George Petznick with Dr. Asim Ali

This week, the Rotary Club of Birmingham (RCB) welcomed Asim Ali, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Biggio Center at Auburn University. As Auburn’s hub for academic innovation, the Biggio Center supports faculty development, instructional technology, online learning, and new approaches to teaching and student engagement. Dr. Ali discussed how Auburn is helping Alabama prepare for the rapid growth of artificial intelligence through workforce development, research, and educational programs that equip students with the skills needed in an evolving economy. 

Dr. Ali highlighted AI initiatives across the university, including healthcare simulations, personalized learning tools, agricultural robotics, cybersecurity research, and faculty training programs used throughout Alabama and beyond. He emphasized that while AI is changing how work is performed, success will continue to depend on ethics, communication, adaptability, and lifelong learning—skills that will help students and professionals thrive regardless of how technology evolves. 

Bio for Dr. Asim Ali 

Asim Ali, Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Biggio Center at Auburn University, where he advances innovation in teaching and learning across campus. His previous role was founding director of Auburn Online, where he helped launch the university’s first undergraduate online degrees, and he continues to shape strategy at the intersection of technology and education. 

Dr. Ali is a national voice on AI in higher education, leading initiatives in AI literacy, faculty engagement, and real-world classroom application. He also teaches in Auburn’s Harbert College of Business, where he integrates AI directly into student learning. Dr. Ali holds degrees in software engineering, information systems management, and adult education from Auburn University. 

He serves as Board President of UPCEA and regularly advises universities and organizations on AI strategy, workforce readiness, and academic innovation.