Lipscomb University taps BoodleBox AI platform to support teaching, learning and research across campus

The Tennessee-based institution becomes the first independent university in the United States to implement campus-wide access to AI tools, including ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini.

Photo credit: Lipscomb University, Justin T. Alexander, a senior software engineering major, developed L.U.K.E. (Lipscomb University Kiosk Experience), an interactive touchscreen kiosk offering campus maps, trivia and information.

Lipscomb University has partnered with BoodleBox to provide students, faculty and staff with enterprise-level access to leading AI tools.

The initiative, announced by BoodleBox CEO France Hoang in a recent LinkedIn post, makes Lipscomb the first private, independent U.S. university to adopt this level of campus-wide integration.

BoodleBox is a collaborative platform designed specifically for higher education. It enables structured engagement with AI models such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Perplexity, while maintaining enterprise security standards. The platform is FERPA compliant and SOC 2 certified.

“This isn't just about adopting new technology—it’s about fundamentally transforming how we prepare students for an AI-driven future,” says Hoang.

The partnership also includes access to Grammarly Business, supporting writing and editing for all students and staff.

In addition to technology access, the rollout includes structured faculty and staff training, led in part by an internal “super user” group and supported by an institutional AI committee. These groups have helped shape policy, oversee use cases and develop guidance for responsible classroom integration.

Faculty and students engage with AI across disciplines

The university’s AI strategy includes teaching, research and operations. Faculty have already integrated AI into classroom assignments, including a project in which students designed a simulation game to reflect the experiences of parenting students. In another example, a senior developed “Morgan,” an AI companion to support a peer navigating epilepsy and autism.

Lipscomb’s School of Computing has also embedded AI into research, with students working on reinforcement learning to teach robots how to complete complex tasks. Elsewhere, College of Pharmacy students have evaluated AI systems for personalized medicine, while senior software engineering students have created campus-facing digital kiosks powered by custom AI agents.

“We are integrating AI not just for innovation’s sake, but because it enhances who we are,” says President Candice McQueen. “It’s about preparing our community to lead and flourish in a world in which AI will continue to be an increasingly important factor.”

Sarah Gibson, director of the School of Communication and Faculty Fellow for AI, has played a central role in guiding adoption. “We're not replacing the human touch,” she says. “Together, we're discovering how responsible AI use can create time for what matters most: meaningful conversations, personalized mentoring, student growth, and learning breakthroughs.”

The integration has also reached co-curricular and administrative areas. Senior software engineering student Justin T. Alexander developed an AI-enhanced campus kiosk, while the Office of Advancement will introduce a Virtual Engagement Officer (VEO) to manage alumni and donor interactions.

Leadership positions AI as part of long-term institutional identity

Provost Jennifer Shewmaker says the approach reflects a larger institutional mindset shift. “AI isn’t a peripheral topic; it’s integral to how we help [students] flourish in their future vocations,” she says. “We’re not just adding tools, we’re reshaping the way we teach and learn to stay true to our calling in a time of transformation.”

In 2024, Lipscomb launched Nashville’s first graduate degree and certificate program in applied artificial intelligence. Directed by associate dean Steve Nordstrom, the program is designed to meet workforce demand across sectors and is open to students without a computer science background. It is delivered in flexible formats and can be completed in as little as 18 months.

According to CIO Brett Hinson, security and access were key to selecting BoodleBox. “By providing secure, centralized access to the best AI tools available, we have the potential to greatly enhance efficiencies and productivity, protect our data and ensure that every member of our community can confidently engage with AI in their work, in the classroom and in their studies.”

Hoang adds, “Lipscomb’s bold vision sets a new standard for preparing graduates to thrive in an AI-driven world.”