From Deep Blue to deep learning: A chess grandmaster’s view of AI from man vs. machine to classroom innovation

In 1997, I had a ringside seat to one of the most defining moments in the history of artificial intelligence: an event famously known as Man vs. Machine. Reigning World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov faced off against IBM’s Deep Blue, the most powerful chess-playing computer ever built at the time. It was the second in a historic series of six-game matches. Kasparov dominated the first encounter the year before, but in this rematch, the machine struck back.

At the time, I was the United States Women’s Chess Champion and had been hired by IBM to serve as a commentator for what many viewed as an existential battle for the honor of the human species. Some feared that if Kasparov lost, chess itself might vanish as a serious competitive pursuit. Others, however, saw something different taking shape: the dawn of a new partnership where artificial intelligence could elevate human potential. Today, that vision is reality. AI now assists players at every level of the game, just as it drives innovation in the classroom and supports learning, problem-solving, and decision-making across nearly every field.

At Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU, we recognize that AI is no longer a futuristic concept. It's here, it’s accelerating, and it’s reshaping every industry, redefining roles, and reimagining the future of work. In this new reality, AI isn't optional. It's not just another tool to master – it's a fundamental shift in how we think, learn, and lead. This is not a passive transition – it is a moment for active leadership. Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU is rising to meet it and embracing this reality head-on.

Bridging the AI adoption gap

ASU has been named the nation's most innovative university ten years in a row. As part of that dynamic ecosystem, Thunderbird is focused on preparing leaders for a future where AI is central to global business, education, and governance. That's why we're not only talking about AI – we're teaching students, faculty, staff and alumni how to use it thoughtfully, ethically and responsibly.

While nearly 90% of Thunderbird students actively use AI tools, faculty adoption hovers closer to 50%. That’s a gap – and an opportunity. Some faculty initially resist, saying, “That’s great for others, but it’s not for me.” However, once they see real-life applications and how AI can save time, enhance teaching, and improve outcomes, they start to see the value. They approach the concept skeptically but learn quickly. We’ve already seen a change in our faculty, and we hope to see a dramatic shift in how many are implementing AI in the next year.

As an example, I recently redesigned a traditional assignment. Instead of asking students to write an essay from scratch, I divided it into three steps:

1. Write a rough draft that includes personal examples.
2. Use AI tools to expand and enhance the draft.
3. Complete a short survey reflecting on their AI usage experience.

The result? Students produced more thoughtful, better-structured essays – and engaged more deeply with the material. They weren't outsourcing thinking – they were learning how to sharpen it.

Addressing challenges and misconceptions 

One of the biggest misconceptions about AI is that it's coming to take our jobs. The truth is more nuanced. AI will transform jobs, not eliminate them. But that transformation requires upskilling, critical thinking, and human oversight.

Anyone can give AI an assignment, but they must be able to evaluate the result it produces. For example, AI can generate a building design, but only a trained architect can determine whether the structure is sound, code-compliant, and functional. Without that expertise and oversight, the building could crumble. The same is true in every industry. Whether you're working in finance, logistics, or global health, you must be able to assess the output of AI and make informed decisions. 

That's why education is more critical than ever. Thunderbird is focused on helping students learn how to use AI to support learning, not shortcut it. For instance, I tell my students they may use AI to explore examples, clarify concepts, or deepen understanding but not for quizzes or exams. The important thing in all classrooms is emphasizing learning, not outsourcing.

A new mindset for a new era

Leveraging AI requires a complete mindset shift. The future of work demands AI-literate professionals who can think critically, act ethically, and lead strategically. Whether in global development, supply chain management, or public policy, AI is becoming central to how business gets done. Thunderbird seeks to meet that demand through education by showing why it matters, how to use it, and when to trust it.

Many people still treat AI like a search engine. But at its most useful, AI is more like an assistant - capable of accelerating work but still reliant on human judgment. AI can make processes more efficient to enhance what people can do with their time. 

Rethinking education in the age of AI 

AI represents an earthquake-level shift in how we teach, learn, evaluate, and prepare for the future of work. This demands rethinking pedagogy, skills development, and assessment from the ground up. Additionally, with AI policy shifts happening at the national level, such as the recent move by the Trump administration to introduce mandatory AI education in K-12 – higher education must move even faster to stay relevant. 

The younger generation is already immersed in technology. When we guide them using practical, real-world examples, it sparks curiosity and engagement. For instance, when Thunderbird hosted students from ASU Preparatory High School, Dr. Lena Booth and I used AI-generated songs and videos to introduce basic financial concepts like budgeting. The result? Students were laughing, learning, and actively participating – clear proof that AI can bring abstract topics to life and transform how knowledge is delivered – making it fun, engaging, and interactive.

Building a community of practice

To help students, faculty, and the greater Thunderbird/ASU community navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape, the AI & Emerging Technologies Committee launched AI Tech Talks, monthly gatherings designed to demystify AI, showcase real-world applications, and provide practical guidance for using AI ethically and effectively.

The first event was held last year and the response was immediate and enthusiastic, proving the growing urgency and hunger for AI knowledge. Since then, the series has featured various speakers and topics, including case studies, ethical considerations, digital rights, and practical tools for the classroom and workplace to help our community move forward confidently. 

Our goal is to serve as an AI Community of Practice for ASU’s Downtown Phoenix Campus: a trusted, dynamic forum where we share tools, explore emerging platforms, test applications, and critically examine how AI intersects with global leadership, education, and innovation. We aim to build bridges across Thunderbird and ASU departments and campuses and into the alumni and professional community.

These events aren't just for AI experts. They're for anyone who wants to understand how AI is changing the world and how to keep up. The goal is simple: make AI education inclusive, interdisciplinary, and accessible. At Thunderbird, we believe education is key to navigating this transformation and we're building the bridge to help everyone across our ecosystem walk into the future with confidence.

Building an AI-ready ecosystem

The AI & Emerging Technologies Committee has had a strong start with the launch of the AI Tech Talks, which have already begun fostering meaningful dialogue and discovery across the Thunderbird/ASU Downtown communities. Building on this momentum, the committee plans to continue the monthly series while expanding Thunderbird’s role as a global thought leader in AI as it relates to management and international affairs. Key initiatives include the creation of a "Superuser" community and the development of dynamic sandbox environments for hands-on experimentation, particularly within the new AI Lab on campus. 

Additionally, the committee aims to produce case studies and executive education programs that highlight Thunderbird’s distinctive expertise at the intersection of geopolitics, technology, and leadership. These efforts will be supported by internal governance structures, policy guidance, and targeted faculty training designed to equip both educators and students for success in an AI-powered world.

This is not a passive transition – it is a moment for active leadership. Thunderbird is rising to meet it. From chessboards to classrooms, we’re learning to lead alongside the very technologies once thought to replace us.