Creighton is leading the way as the first institution in the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) to integrate generative AI learning outcomes into its core curriculum.   

Undergraduate faculty from across all colleges have approved these outcomes, ensuring all undergraduates are better prepared for an AI-driven world. The new outcomes are part of the "Designated Technology" requirement, where students learn to effectively and ethically use generative AI tools within their respective fields.   

This builds on foundational AI exposure from the Ratio Studiorum Program and first-year COM 101 course, but in later years, students will dive deeper into how AI impacts their future professions.   

The move positions Creighton graduates to meet evolving industry expectations and navigate the ethical challenges of AI in their careers. 

James Fletcher, PhD, was recently named a member of the 2025 class of American Chemical Society (ACS) fellows. He joins an esteemed group of individuals in this class and becomes only the second ACS Fellow in the state of Nebraska since the program began in 2009.  

Fletcher was recognized for his contributions to organic chemistry with undergraduate research students, particularly for developing antiseptic triazolium salts and triazole-containing multidentate chelators, and excellence in mentoring. Additionally, he was recognized for his leadership in the ACS Omaha Section, including the chairing of multiple regional meetings and long-term roles in the local section and ACS Midwest Board governance. 

Watch Duda break down the physics of the volleyball kill. 

At Creighton, physics meets volleyball through Gintaras Duda, PhD, chair of the Physics Department, A.F. Jacobson Chair in Communication and volleyball enthusiast.   

Duda explains how biomechanics, timing and force combine to create the “kill,” a spike that can reach speeds over 60 mph—NCAA women average 40–60 mph on kills. Key factors include a hitter’s jump height, arm swing speed and momentum transfer to the ball. Success also depends on precise teamwork between the setter and hitter.   

This science-backed approach helps explain Creighton’s volleyball dominance, including 11 straight BIG EAST titles and recent Elite Eight appearances, where physics and team chemistry unite for a winning performance. 

From Omaha to the Olympics, Cliff Brunt, II, BA’96, has made a mark as a gifted storyteller and community advocate. Now a sportswriter for The Associated Press in Oklahoma City, Brunt covers top-tier athletics and mentors aspiring journalists. He received Creighton’s Alumni Merit Award, which honors alumni who exemplify professional excellence and live as “women and men for and with others.”   

On receiving the award, he says, “It tells me that a University I deeply respect sees value in my life’s work. That’s incredibly humbling.” 

Fuel your passion for career growth with Creighton’s flexible, self-paced courses. Designed for professionals in any field, these non-credit offerings help you build skills, earn CE credits and prepare to lead—on your schedule.  

Keep learning and growing. Advance your career. Learn more about our courses and register using code CULifeLongAlum for 15% off! 

Welcome back to the Bluejay Carrier newsletter, delivering exclusive College of Arts and Sciences news to you. I was excited by the response from our first edition this winter and will continue looking forward to sharing stories of your fellow alumni and updates on current college initiatives here. Click here to read on about how we're preparing learners for the new frontier of AI, faculty updates and plans to stay even more connected with you through both our faculty and current students.

Warmest wishes from our nest to yours, 

Bridget M. Keegan, MA, PhD 
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences   

“Do what you can to keep learning, whether it’s relevant to your career or just to explore something new.” – Kevin Boes, BA’20, MPH’23  

In honor of Earth Month, last semester, Creighton cultural and social studies students took a hands-on approach to learning by mapping Creighton's bicycle parking.   

On March 6, Boes, a medical anthropology graduate, visited “SOC 470 Making Maps that Matter: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS),” taught by Alana Haynes Stein, PhD. Boes, who now works with the City of Omaha Public Works Department and publishes public health research using GIS, shared how GIS shaped his career. Students contributed to the global OpenStreetMap platform, updating vital data.   

Boes encouraged students to take a wide variety of classes and reflected on how an elective GIS course helped him land his current role. “I want to give students an idea of one path that their career might take when they graduate,” he says of his own journey.