David Joyner, Georgia Tech's interim vice provost for AI in Education, has been named to CDO Magazine's 2026 Top 30 Higher Education Data & AI Influencers list. The annual recognition highlights leaders shaping how colleges and universities use artificial intelligence (AI) and data to advance higher education.

“I'm honored to be recognized among CDO Magazine's Top 30 Higher Education Data & AI Influencers for 2026,” Joyner wrote in a LinkedIn post.

Joyner was recognized for his contributions to Georgia Tech's academic AI strategy, including his leadership in advancing the 2026 Academic AI Playbook. The publication brings together 67 faculty contributions representing every College at Georgia Tech, along with 20 practical lessons drawn from classroom experiences. It provides educators with examples and insights for thoughtfully integrating AI into teaching, redesigning assignments and preparing students for an increasingly AI-enabled world.

As interim vice provost, Joyner leads implementation of Georgia Tech's Academic AI Strategy, coordinating efforts across Colleges and administrative units. The strategy centers on three goals: advancing AI-driven teaching and learning, equipping faculty and students to build and integrate AI tools effectively and responsibly, and strengthening Georgia Tech's leadership through responsible AI innovation and engagement.

A central part of this work is ensuring faculty expertise and academic freedom remain at the forefront of how AI is introduced into the classroom. Rather than prescribing a single approach, Georgia Tech's strategy supports faculty-led experimentation, expands access to AI resources and encourages the sharing of effective practices across disciplines.

Joyner also serves as executive director of Online Education and the Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) program in the College of Computing. His work in online education, educational technology and learning at scale has helped shape how Georgia Tech delivers accessible, technology-enhanced learning experiences to students around the world.

The recognition reflects Joyner's contributions at a time when higher education institutions are working to understand and respond to AI's growing influence on teaching, learning and institutional operations.

CDO Magazine's annual list recognizes 30 leaders across North American higher education for their work advancing AI innovation, institutional strategy, responsible technology adoption and data-informed decision-making.

Learn more: Explore the CDO Magazine 2026 Top 30 Higher Education Data & AI Influencers.