Carlson IT: Advancing Learning and Innovation
Minnesota Carlson continues to strengthen the learning experience for students, faculty, and the broader community through significant technology, infrastructure, and innovation initiatives. In preparation for Fall 2026, the Carlson IT team partnered on major projects that enhance teaching, learning, engagement, and operational excellence across the school.
Transforming spaces in Marilyn C. Nelson hall
A major milestone was reached with the completion of final technology installations, upgrades, and system preparations throughout the newly upgraded and renamed Marilyn C. Nelson Hall. The work marks the culmination of a more than two-year transformation project designed to modernize learning and community spaces across the building. Carlson IT teams supported technology enhancements in classrooms, breakout rooms, the auditorium, and the atrium, helping ensure these reimagined spaces are ready to support Carlson's students, academic programs, events, and community engagement activities for years to come. The upgraded facilities provide flexible, technology-enabled environments that support collaboration, instruction, and innovation while reinforcing the school's commitment to delivering an exceptional educational experience.
Creating a unified approach to external engagement
Carlson is also driving institutional impact through the ongoing enhancement to their school-wide Salesforce platform. By establishing a unified system for external engagement, the school is creating stronger connections across key stakeholder groups, including alumni, corporate partners, current students, prospective students, and community organizations. The platform provides a more integrated approach to relationship management and engagement, helping teams collaborate more effectively while enhancing data consistency and visibility across the organization.
Preparing faculty for the future of online learning
In preparation for the Fall 2027 launch of the Professional MBA program, the School's Instructional Design Team and Minnesota Carlson Online Committee introduced a new ‘Teaching Online’ course for faculty. The program is designed to support instructors as they develop and deliver high-quality online learning experiences. Participants are guided through the school's updated course development process, introduced to proven practices from experienced online educators, and trained on emerging technologies that can enhance course design and student engagement. By investing in faculty development today, Minnesota Carlson is helping ensure the Professional MBA program launches with a strong foundation for innovative and effective online instruction.
Advancing AI across administration and the classroom
Innovation remains a key focus area as the Minnesota Carlson explores new applications for artificial intelligence across both academic and administrative operations. Several AI initiatives are currently underway to help optimize Undergraduate and MBA program processes while improving efficiency and service delivery. At the same time, the school partners with the Carlson Analytics Lab in a Master of Science in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence course using AI and Cloud technologies designed to expand hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for students. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to preparing learners for an increasingly AI-driven business environment while exploring practical ways to leverage emerging technologies across the school's operations.
Supporting Minnesota Carlson's strategic vision
Together, these initiatives demonstrate how technology, learning design, and innovation are helping Minnesota Carlson advance its strategic goals. From modernized learning spaces and enhanced engagement platforms to faculty development and AI experimentation, Minnesota Carlson IT continues to enable transformative experiences that benefit students, faculty, and the wider University community.