AI in Education with Texas A&M Mays Business School Assistant Dean of AI, Arnold Castro | Episode #0004
- 2025-04-04
- Posted by: Brad Groux
- Category: Podcast
Welcome to this week’s edition of Start Small, Think Big, your guide to practical AI, automation, and business growth insights.
In Episode 0004, we’re excited to be joined by Arnold Castro, the Assistant Dean of AI at Mays Business School – Texas A&M University. Arnold shares invaluable insights into Texas A&M University’s innovative AI initiatives aimed at preparing students—and the workforce—for an AI-driven future. From the concept of agentic AI to the critical role of data quality, learn how educational institutions and businesses can effectively embrace AI to stay competitive and thrive.
Dive in for powerful takeaways, real-world applications, and inspiring ideas shaping the next generation of AI education and innovation—and be sure to check out all of the valuable resources shared below!
New episodes are released every Friday across all major podcast platforms (direct links below), with video available on Spotify and YouTube — follow along to empower your AI journey!
Start Small, Think Big: Episode 0004 – Show Notes
In this episode of Start Small, Think Big, we explore the transformative power of AI in education and business with special guest Arnold Castro, Assistant Dean of AI at Texas A&M’s Mays Business School. Arnold shares exciting insights about Texas A&M’s groundbreaking initiatives designed to prepare students for an AI-driven workforce. Discover how embracing AI, improving data quality, and understanding emerging technologies like agentic AI can position educational institutions and businesses alike for future success.
Dive into the conversation and learn why now is the time to adapt and thrive in an increasingly AI-focused world!
Summary
In this episode of the Start Small Think Big podcast, host Brad Groux and guests Robert Groux, Carrie Hundley, and Arnold Castro discuss the transformative role of AI in education and business. Arnold, the Assistant Dean of AI at Texas A&M’s Mays Business School, shares insights on the initiatives being launched to prepare students for an AI-driven workforce. The conversation covers the importance of data, the concept of agentic AI, and the unique position of Texas A&M in leading AI education. The guests emphasize the need for businesses and educational institutions to embrace AI, train their workforce, and adapt to the changing landscape to remain competitive.
Keywords
AI, education, business, automation, data science, agentic AI, Texas A&M, Mays Business School, technology adoption, workforce development
Takeaways
- AI is transforming education and business processes.
- Texas A&M is leading in AI education initiatives.
- Data quality is crucial for effective AI implementation.
- Agentic AI represents a new frontier in automation.
- Training existing employees on AI is essential for success.
- The youth are eager to learn and adapt to AI technologies.
- Businesses must embrace change to stay competitive.
- Integrators will be key in the future workforce.
- AI can enhance productivity and efficiency in various roles.
- Collaboration between IT and business leaders is vital for AI adoption.
Titles
- Harnessing AI in Education and Business
- The Future of AI: Insights from Texas A&M
Sound Bites
- “Don’t be afraid of AI, embrace it.”
- “AI can help you do more with less.”
- “Embrace change, don’t resist it.”
Resources
- Arnold Castro
- Texas A&M University
- Mays Business School – Texas A&M University
- Texas A&M Innovation
- Texas A&M Institute of Data Science
- tidalTAMU
- Texas A&M Space Institute
- “Building a Better Future Through Business and AI” Dissertation Proposal Competition Announced
- Texas A&M University Partners with Perplexity AI to Advance Campus-Wide AI Innovation
- He Built a Tool to Get Around Big Tech’s Recruiting Process, Columbia Kicked Him Out of School
- Creative Destruction Lab
- CDL (Creative Destruction Lab) Texas
- MCP (Model Context Protocol)
- Houston AI Club
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
00:52 Arnold Castro’s Background and Role at Texas A&M
04:42 AI Initiatives and Competitions at Mays Business School
14:01 The Impact of AI on Education and Business
21:02 Understanding Agentic AI and Its Implications
26:08 Texas A&M’s Unique Position in AI Education
28:28 Elevating Mesa Business School and A&M’s Initiatives
35:37 Embracing AI in Education
39:23 The ROI of Automation and AI
49:20 Bridging the Gap: Leadership and Ground-Level Perspectives
01:00:34 Preparing the Next Generation for an AI-Driven Future
01:05:36 Reflections on the Conversation with Arnold
01:06:19 Looking Ahead: Future Collaborations and Events
01:06:45 Embracing AI: Insights from Arnold Castro
01:07:08 Closing Thoughts and Next Week’s Topic
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