When Barton School of Business students Michael Goldberg and Samuel Doell saw how quickly artificial intelligence was reshaping industries, they did not wait for the curriculum to catch up. In true Shocker fashion, they built a solution themselves.
With guidance from faculty advisor Dr. Justin Keeler, Goldberg and Doell have launched the WSU AI Club, a new student-led organization designed to bring together students from across Wichita State University to explore, apply and lead the next generation of artificial intelligence tools and strategies.
"The main driver was seeing how fast this industry moves and realizing we needed a way to keep up with it while still in school," said Goldberg, president and co-founder of the WSU AI Club. "We wanted to create a home base on campus where students could stop working in silos and start collaborating across colleges."
The club is intentionally interdisciplinary and welcomes students from all majors, skill levels and learning formats, including both on-campus and remote learners. By connecting students from business, engineering, arts, sciences and beyond, the organization aims to share specialized knowledge and tackle real-world challenges through hands-on collaboration.
"We're bringing students together to see how different colleges apply AI in unique ways," said Doell, vice president and co-founder. "That cross-pollination creates an environment where students can solve complex problems, find future business partners and gain experience shaping the systems and strategies of tomorrow."
The WSU AI Club also serves as a professional launchpad, offering members opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom. Planned programming includes weekly workshops on emerging technologies, access to professional AI tools and hardware, and hands-on projects supporting local nonprofits and small businesses.
"Any student looking to gain a competitive edge will benefit from this organization," Goldberg said. "Members can build high-impact resumes through real projects while learning directly from peers who are actively navigating the latest developments in AI."
The club launched with a founding group of approximately 30-40 members, with rapid growth already underway. Leadership is actively recruiting students from non-business colleges to ensure representation from across the university.
The founding leadership team includes:
- Michael Goldberg, President
- Samuel Doell, Vice President
- Jayden Sigg, Treasurer
- Takudzwa Nhamo, Director of AI Ethics and Compliance
- Ganya Eubanks, Director of Marketing
- Tanaya Sunil Hinge, Director of Projects
- Rediet Delelegn, Director of Administration
- Jeremy Johnson, Director of External Relations
- Coen Key, Director of AI Research and Strategy
- Shane Vithana, Founding Technology Advisor
In addition to its student leadership, the organization benefits from strategic guidance and mentorship. Technology Advisor Shane Vithana supports the club’s technical direction and long-term AI strategy, while faculty advisor Dr. Justin Keeler provides academic insight and institutional support to help position the organization for sustainable growth.
Looking ahead, the WSU AI Club plans to develop industry partnerships, host guest speakers, build a public-facing portfolio of student AI projects, and participate in and host regional hackathons and conferences. A digital collaboration platform is also in development to allow members to share research, feedback and project updates in real time.
"At the Barton School, we support students who take initiative and turn ideas into action," said Keeler. "This club is a great example of students creating meaningful opportunities not just for themselves, but for the entire WSU community."