IU Today is checking in from time to time to learn how faculty and staff have successfully used artificial intelligence tools in their work, research and teaching. We recently caught up with Patrick Hopkins, dean of the IU Kelley School of Business.

Question: How have you used AI to accomplish tasks that aid your work or research, and what benefits have you seen?

Patrick Hopkins, Kelley School of Business dean. Photo by the Kelley School of Business Answer: I use licensed generative AI tools at IU Bloomington, including ChatGPT and Gemini, to enhance my work. While I have an excellent communications team that manages speeches and formal messaging, I use AI to create first drafts of emails, reports and other communications when context or complexity warrants it.

Applying the CORE prompting framework from Brian Williams’ GenAI 101 course (Context, Objective, Response and Example), I guide the model to generate drafts that reflect my intent, audience and tone. For example, after uploading accreditation documents and internal notes, I might prompt: “Using a professional and collegial tone, draft a brief summary of recent accreditation updates and next steps for Kelley.”

Generative AI is especially effective at integrating information from multiple sources, saving time while improving clarity, precision and consistency. I also use it for brainstorming new ideas for programs, partnerships and strategic initiatives.

Q: What have you learned about using AI that made it easier, more helpful or more targeted for your specific need?

A: What I’ve learned about using AI is that it’s less a shortcut and more a productivity magnifier. Many people see it primarily as a time-saver, but for me the real value comes from how it helps me get more out of the time I have.

Using AI effectively requires clear thinking and intentionality. I’ve learned to structure my prompts and logic more carefully, which in turn sharpens my own reasoning and communication. The process forces me to clarify objectives, define context and articulate the outcomes I want. In that way, AI hasn’t just made my work faster; it has made it more focused, thoughtful and productive.

Q: What is one tip you’d share with a colleague about using AI tools?

A: It is hard to give only one tip, so I will share two. First, as Brian Williams notes, GenAI is a bright assistant eager to please, which means you must act as a vigilant supervisor and coach. Provide clear feedback, refine your prompts and be patient with the iterative process that leads to better results.

Second, as emphasized in the Kelley AI Playbook, transparency in using AI is essential. Acknowledge when you have used it and be clear about how it supported your work. For example, I used AI to help me better express my ideas in these responses.

Note: IU offers a free AI course to staff, faculty and students to help them understand the tools available and how to use them.