Dr. Randal Schober is a Professor of Management at PLNU's Fermanian School of Business, known for his entrepreneurial mindset and passion for shaping future business leaders.
With a background that spans nonprofit leadership, corporate consulting, and academic innovation, Schober has dedicated his career to preparing students for impactful, purpose-driven careers. He brings real-world experience to the classroom, drawing on decades of leadership across multiple sectors, from launching startups to guiding major nonprofit organizations.
As technology reshapes the business landscape, Schober has taken a forward-looking approach to education, integrating cutting-edge concepts like Artificial Intelligence (AI) into his teaching. He believes that AI isn’t just a technical skill—it’s a critical lens for understanding and solving complex problems in a rapidly changing world. For him, preparing students to thrive in this environment means equipping them with both the technical fluency and ethical judgment needed to lead with integrity and purpose.
Why is building AI into the curriculum important for higher education today?
"Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a technological advancement—it’s reshaping how we think, work, and solve problems. For business education to remain relevant and future-focused, AI must be embedded directly into the curriculum. This goes beyond teaching tools; it challenges us to rethink pedagogy itself. By doing so, we enable students to develop not only technical fluency but also the ethical judgment and critical thinking necessary for AI literacy in their future professional positions."
What are you working on with AI at the Fermanian School of Business?
"My sabbatical provided a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of AI and education, with a focus on how it can elevate business learning. This research led to the creation of the Bloom-AI Framework—a research-informed, visually structured model that helps educators align AI tools with cognitive learning objectives. The framework also incorporates the VARK learning preferences, ensuring a more inclusive and adaptive approach to teaching.
Since returning, I’ve been applying the framework in my courses and introducing it to faculty across disciplines. Students now engage with AI tools as part of a structured approach to higher cognitive learning—applying critical thinking, strategic analysis, problem-solving, and data-informed decision-making in real-world business contexts. The broader goal is to equip both students and educators with the mindset and capabilities to succeed in an AI-integrated world—where human expertise and artificial intelligence work side by side.
This work is also contributing to broader faculty development efforts, helping shape a culture of innovation and responsible AI integration across the business school."