David Watts Appointed Director of Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence

David Watts, a senior IBM executive, has been appointed director of the Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence at Colby College, starting this August. With nearly 30 years in tech, his background includes leadership roles at IBM and Motorola. The Davis Institute aims to blend AI with various fields to prepare students for future challenges, a vision Watts is eager to expand upon. His desire to impact education aligns well with the institute’s mission, making this a promising new chapter for both Watts and Colby.

David Watts, a key player in the tech world and a longtime IBM executive, is set to take the reins at the Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence at Colby College this August. His appointment is seen as a significant move to strengthen the interdisciplinary mission of AI at Colby. With nearly 30 years in the tech sector, Watts means to bring a wealth of experience focused on integrating AI into big-scale systems.

Watts’s background includes a notable stint as vice president for the IBM Z Platform. There, he was integral in developing hybrid cloud AI and security solutions on IBM’s powerful mainframe systems, which are crucial to various fields like fraud detection and medical diagnostics. His impressive resume doesn’t stop there; he’s held multiple leadership roles throughout his time at IBM and has worked for companies like Motorola and Ebara Technologies. On the academic side, he’s got a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado.

Colby College President David A. Greene expressed cautious optimism, highlighting Watts’s extraordinary capability in leading-edge systems. “His deep understanding of AI and his scientific focus make him suited for guiding the Davis Institute,” Greene said. Plus, it seems Watts is not just about tech; he also embodies the qualities of a dedicated teacher with an academic’s heart.

The Davis Institute, launched only in 2021, stands out as a pioneering initiative—it is the first liberal arts college to establish an interdisciplinary AI institute, thanks to a large $30 million donation from the Davis family. Watts sees his new role not just about overseeing the program; he’s aiming to inspire fresh thinkers and leaders. He mentioned, “What kind of difference do you want to make in the world? The Davis Institute is doing something unique in higher education.”

At Colby, AI isn’t just a tech field; it’s interwoven with a variety of subjects ranging from environmental studies to the arts. Watts is particularly excited about expanding this approach. He noted, “AI unites disciplines; that’s where innovation thrives. If we succeed even minimally, the ripple effect on students and society will be enormous.”

Margaret McFadden, Colby’s provost, praised Watts’s vision and collaborative spirit. As she prepares to step down, she believes his industry expertise will enhance the institute’s impact. Likewise, incoming provost Denise Bruesewitz shares those thoughts, highlighting how Watts’s real-world experience will enrich the program and engage students more meaningfully with AI.

Before joining Colby, Watts’s career began at Motorola, where he innovated in the field of semiconductor devices. He later worked with startups and eventually IBM, where he transitioned from R&D to business development. By 2023, he led the launch of a new mainframe platform that integrates advanced AI capabilities. “That complexity and impact are thrilling, but so is the opportunity to influence how future leaders think about AI from day one in their education,” he remarked.

With his daughters now in college, Watts is eager to embrace an academic role that brings back his passion for the liberal arts. He noted, “I wasn’t optimistic about finding a great fit in the liberal arts until I saw the Davis AI position. For the first time, it felt like I could land somewhere that valued my passionate mix of science, technology, and ethics.”

Watts is stepping into a role that already holds promise, and with his background, there’s certainly a wave of anticipation for how the Davis Institute will evolve under his guidance.

David Watts’s transition from IBM to Colby College as the new director of the Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence marks a significant development in the interdisciplinary approach to AI education. With a career that reflects deep expertise and a passion for teaching, he’s primed not only to lead in a domain increasingly essential for modern education but also to inspire the next generation of thinkers. His vision aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Institute, making it a groundbreaking endeavor in higher education.

Original Source: news.colby.edu