Leading the Future
In a strategic move that bridges technological advancement with the rich mission of the University, Holy Family University is positioning its Newtown West campus as a center for ethical innovation in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. This initiative embodies the university’s motto, “teneor votis” (I am bound by my responsibilities) while responding to unprecedented technological growth and workforce demands.
Faith, Reason, and Technology
What distinguishes Holy Family University’s approach is its commitment to integrating its mission in technological advancement. While the global AI market, valued at $62.35 billion in 2020, is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 40.2 percent through 2028 (Grand View Research, 2021), Holy Family University recognizes that ethical principles and human wisdom must guide technical expertise. Drawing from its core value of respecting the dignity of the human person, the institution is designing programs that develop critical technical skills and emphasize moral discernment and social responsibility in applying these powerful technologies.
Forming Leaders for a Digital Future
The timing of this initiative reflects Holy Family’s commitment to responsible innovation. According to LinkedIn’s 2022 Jobs on the Rise report, demand for AI specialists has surged by 74 percent annually over the previous five years. Meanwhile, the cybersecurity sector faces a critical shortage, with Cybersecurity Ventures reporting approximately 3.5 million unfilled positions globally in 2021. Holy Family University sees this not just as a workforce challenge but as an opportunity to form persons of integrity who recognize the importance of learning and the responsible use of knowledge.
The convergence of AI and cybersecurity creates unique opportunities for students to apply ethical principles to real-world challenges. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 35 percent growth in information security analyst positions from 2021 to 2031, highlighting the need for professionals who can navigate both the technical and ethical dimensions of these fields. Holy Family University’s program will prepare graduates to lead with competence and conscience in emerging areas such as AI-driven security tools and advanced threat detection systems.
Educating the Whole Person
Holy Family University’s curriculum development addresses both technical skills gaps and the formation of the whole person – mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and morally. While a Deloitte survey found that 43 percent of companies face significant shortages in AI talent, Holy Family’s program will go beyond technical training to include critical examination of these technologies through the lens of Catholic social teaching and ethical principles.
As the global cybersecurity market expands from $139.77 billion in 2021 to an expected $376.32 billion by 2029 (Fortune Business Insights, 2022), Holy Family University’s initiative prepares students to meet this growing demand while emphasizing information integrity, privacy, and digital stewardship. The program integrates essential technical areas such as cloud security and threat intelligence with a framework for ethical decision-making and social responsibility.
A Mission-Driven Future
As Gartner predicts that 70 percent of organizations will have operationalized AI architectures by 2025, Holy Family University’s Newtown West campus is positioned to become a crucial hub for developing technology leaders who understand both the capabilities and ethical implications of these powerful tools. The University’s approach emphasizes critical discernment and ethical integration, ensuring that technological advancement serves human dignity and the common good.
This initiative represents more than an academic program expansion—it embodies Holy Family University’s commitment to fostering knowledge and intellectual growth while maintaining rigorous standards for privacy and information integrity. As these technologies continue to transform our world, Holy Family University graduates will be uniquely positioned to lead with technical expertise, ethical awareness, and a deep understanding of their responsibilities to society.
In keeping with the university’s mission of pursuing truth through faith and reason, this program will prepare graduates who can harness the power of AI and cybersecurity while upholding the values of human dignity, social justice, and responsible innovation. Through this distinctive approach, Holy Family University continues its tradition of forming highly competent professionals and responsible citizens who understand that technological advancement must always serve the greater good of humanity.