On September 12, 2025, The Catholic University of America made an exciting announcement. Taylor Black, who leads AI & Venture Ecosystems at Microsoft, has been appointed the founding director of a new interdisciplinary institute focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
This new institute aims to bring together faculty from various fields to collaborate and form partnerships with universities and organizations globally. Earlier this year, Catholic University introduced new undergraduate and graduate AI programs. These programs blend technical knowledge with ethics and interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving.
Taylor Black, also a deacon candidate for the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix, will balance his work at Microsoft with his new role at the university. In a recent interview, he shared insights about this dual engagement.
Black believes there’s significant value in merging the fast-paced tech world with academia. He explained, “Tech often moves quicker than cultural and academic understanding can keep up with.” His goal is to harness both worlds to ensure that technology serves humanity thoughtfully and effectively.
The institute targets three key areas:
Employment: Many recent graduates face challenges finding jobs, partly due to the rise of AI. The institute aims to equip graduates with knowledge about AI and how to leverage it to enhance their careers.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: AI isn’t just for tech departments; it can enrich various fields. Black envisions bringing different departments together to explore the implications of AI on human life and understand its beneficial and harmful effects.
Evolving University Structure: He noted that AI will reshape universities as institutions. This includes revising grading systems, learning methodologies, and potentially developing new economic models for sustainability.
When asked about the relationship between faith and science, Black stated, “There has never been real tension between faith and reason.” He emphasized that technology is a human creation meant to fulfill our desire to understand the world. The Catholic Church, according to him, should play an active role in guiding how technology is used for good.
Reflecting on predictions of a new industrial revolution driven by AI, Black noted, “We’re entering a transition period where many existing jobs will change dramatically.” This phase may be messy, and society must consider how to ease these transitions.
In discussing the church’s role amid technological advancements, he pointed out that the church consists of over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, actively involved in technology development. This collective influence is vital for ensuring technologies enhance human flourishing.
Black concluded by addressing concerns about AI being a threat to humanity. He argued that while people tend to anthropomorphize AI, it lacks intentions or goals. Instead, it’s a tool shaped by human decisions, much like any other technology.
For more insights on the impact of AI and technology on education and society, you can check out resources from reliable sources like the Pew Research Center or McKinsey & Company.
