Longmeadow, MA — Bay Path University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Humberto Ariza as its inaugural Director of Augmented Intelligence Operations, a new leadership role designed to guide the University’s strategic integration of artificial intelligence across teaching, learning, and operations.
Dr. Ariza brings more than a decade of experience in higher education as a scholar, academic leader, and strategist working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, online learning, student success, and institutional effectiveness. Prior to joining Bay Path, he served at D’Youville University, where he led initiatives focused on innovation in digital learning and AI-enhanced education.
He holds a Doctorate in Education and is a published author and researcher on AI and online learning. His work includes a book on AI-powered tutoring and numerous scholarly publications: AI Tutors in Action: Chatbots Transforming Modern Education. Most recently, he co-authored Transforming Education Through Faculty Development and AI-Driven Course Design (Springer), which explores how institutions can thoughtfully integrate AI into curriculum design and faculty development. Dr. Ariza is currently pursuing a master’s degree in AI and Hyperautomation through EUNEIZ Universidad and EBIS Business Techschool in Spain.
In addition to his academic work, Dr. Ariza was a co-founder and now serves as Senior Advisor to a multinational AI-powered educational technology company that supports higher education institutions in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, regions facing some of the highest barriers to access in higher education.
A nationally and internationally invited speaker, Dr. Ariza has presented on AI, online learning, and higher education innovation across the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Africa. He regularly engages faculty, academic leaders, and policymakers in conversations about the responsible, mission-aligned use of AI in education. His leadership and scholarship have been recognized with the Future Leaders Scholarship Award from the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U).
Dr. Ariza is also a host of 3os: Online By Design, a globally followed podcast focused on online education and artificial intelligence, available on Spotify and reaching listeners in more than 40 countries.
At Bay Path, Dr. Ariza will provide leadership for the University’s AI initiatives at all levels. In fall 2025, the University launched an Augmented Reality Lab that meets regularly and brings together representatives from across academic and administrative units. This collaborative effort is designed to foster innovation and ensure thoughtful, mission-driven implementation of AI technologies.
“Our approach is grounded in discipline and practice,” said Dr. Ariza. “We are focused on using AI in a humanistic way to make our students and university community better stewards in the greater community. More important, we want our students to be proficient and confident in using AI so they are well prepared for their careers and professional roles.”
