The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is proud to announce its selection as one of 35 colleges and universities nationwide to join the Amazon Machine Learning University Educators Consortium, a groundbreaking initiative by Amazon Web Services (AWS) aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) education across higher education.
Through this collaboration, UVI faculty and administrators will gain access to world-class training, curriculum development resources, and cutting-edge AWS cloud technology as part of a national effort to build capacity for AI/ML education, particularly at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
“We are honored to be a part of this transformative initiative with Amazon Web Services,” said UVI President Dr. Safiya George. “As we continue to prepare students to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy, it is essential that we equip our faculty with the tools and training needed to integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning into their instruction. This collaboration aligns with our strategic priorities to expand innovation, research, and workforce development opportunities in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
“I am so pleased to support the faculty and staff who embrace innovation and new modalities using AI/ML to improve teaching, learning and research—hats off to these innovators,” said Rick Nader, Vice President for Research and Economic Development.
“This opportunity came to our attention through our strong relationships and network within higher education and philanthropy,” said Michael Morsberger, UVI Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “We are grateful to Amazon Web Services for their inclusive approach to AI/ML education and proud to help connect UVI with initiatives that empower our students and faculty.”
Launched in February 2025, the Amazon Machine Learning University Educator Enablement Program (MLU-EEP) currently supports 200 faculty members and 25 executive administrators across the country, collectively serving more than 250,000 students. The program includes:
UVI’s participation includes both faculty researchers and executive administrators. Faculty will join the Amazon-MLU Educators Consortium, engaging in monthly activities to enhance AI/ML pedagogy and research. Senior leadership will participate in the Amazon-MLU Transformation Alliance, a leadership cohort focused on building long-term institutional capacity.
The UVI faculty selected to participate in the Consortium represent a dynamic cross-section of disciplines, including mathematics, computer science, marine science, and institutional research. This year’s cohort includes Dr. Benjamin Walter, Associate Professor of Mathematics; Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes, Research Assistant Professor of Watershed Ecology; Dr. Lauren Olinger, marine science instructor and researcher; Dr. Matthew McCurdy, Assistant Professor of Mathematics; Ms. Resa Berkeley, Data Specialist in Research and Public Service; Dr. Robert Stolz, Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences; and Dr. Shamar Ward, Assistant Professor of Computer Science. Together, these educators bring deep expertise and a shared commitment to integrating AI and machine learning into instruction and research across STEM fields at UVI.
"We are excited to see the work at University of the Virgin Islands for delivering high-quality hands-on AI experiences for students. This is the kind of productive collaboration that we hoped for when we established Amazon’s Machine Learning University Educator Enablement Program (MLU-EEP). We look forward to seeing the impact that UVI students will have throughout their careers." said Scott Wiltamuth, Director of Database & AI Leadership at Amazon Web Services.
This collaboration represents a major step forward in UVI’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation in science and technology education.
Though the initial cohort from UVI has been named, individuals interested in future opportunities are encouraged to contact the Office of the President at uvipresident@uvi.edu.
For more information about UVI’s academic programs and strategic initiatives, visit www.uvi.edu.
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About the University of the Virgin Islands
Founded in 1962, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is a public, coeducational,
land-grant institution and the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU)
located outside the continental United States. With campuses on St. Thomas and St.
Croix, UVI offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree
programs across six colleges and schools. The University is committed to academic
excellence, student success, innovation, and community engagement, while serving as
a vital catalyst for economic, social, and cultural development in the U.S. Virgin
Islands and the broader Caribbean region. As a learner-centered institution, UVI provides
a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment that prepares students to be
globally competent and socially responsible leaders.
For more information, visit www.uvi.edu.
About Amazon Web Services and Machine Learning University
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and widely adopted cloud
platform, offering cutting-edge infrastructure, services, and tools to organizations
around the globe. Through its Machine Learning University (MLU) and Educator Enablement
Programs, AWS is dedicated to expanding access to artificial intelligence (AI) and
machine learning (ML) education. These initiatives empower faculty and senior administrators—particularly
at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—to integrate AI/ML into undergraduate
instruction and research through hands-on technical training, open-access curriculum,
and peer collaboration. By promoting inclusive and industry-aligned tech education,
AWS is helping to cultivate the next generation of diverse and skilled technology
leaders.
