OpenAI has announced the appointment of Leah Belsky as its first General Manager of Education, highlighting its commitment to expanding AI applications in schools and universities.
Leah Belsky at OpenAI
Leah Belsky, who previously worked at Coursera Inc. as an Executive, will be responsible for strengthening the relationship between OpenAI and the education community, which includes K-12, higher education, and continuing education. Belsky will help implement OpenAI’s solutions in the educational process and manage the relations with educational institutions, as well as work with internal teams on products, policies, and marketing. This cross-functional approach is intended to forge alliances with universities and develop AI solutions for educational applications.
Launch of ChatGPT Edu
After the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, the product received much attention from students, many of whom utilized the tool in their coursework. In response, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Edu in May, a version tailored for educational institutions with added features and pricing options. Belsky’s appointment coincides with OpenAI’s increasing partnership with academic institutions globally, such as the University of Oxford, Arizona State University, and Columbia University. In October, OpenAI is slated to hold a meeting with presidents and provosts of top universities to discuss the appropriate integration of AI in teaching and research. This event aligns with OpenAI’s goal of supporting educators in applying the best practices of AI in learning institutions.
Strengthening Company's Leadership
Belsky’s hiring aligns with recent personnel changes at the company. Earlier this month, political strategist Chris Lehane was appointed as the Vice President of Global Policy at OpenAI. Lehane, who has experience in political and social matters, has previously served in similar positions at Airbnb and the Clinton White House. Lehane will report to Anna Makanju, who has been appointed as the Vice President of Global Impact after serving as the Vice President of Global Affairs. Additionally, OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman recently stepped down from the Safety and Security Committee, formed in May to handle critical decisions.
As OpenAI expands its presence in the educational sector, it aims to facilitate broader AI applications in academic institutions, as evidenced by recent appointments and strategic moves.
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