UMW’s Center for AI and the Liberal Arts has named alumnus Sean O’Brien ’09 as its inaugural AI Expert-in-Residence. O’Brien currently leads AI initiatives at Internet2 — the technology consortium serving higher education institutions nationwide. He will return to Mary Washington this spring to mentor students, advise faculty research projects and share insights on AI’s impact on education and the workforce.

“Coming back to UMW in this capacity is incredibly meaningful,” said O’Brien, who earned a BA in political science at UMW and a MA in communication and leadership studies at Gonzaga University. “The liberal arts foundation I received here shaped how I think about technology’s role in society. I’m excited to help current students develop that same thoughtful approach to AI.”

O’Brien will make two campus visits during Spring 2026:

• a public talk on March 10
• student research presentations during Research and Creativity Day on April 24