Graduation Term
Spring 2026
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Department of Educational Administration and Foundations: Educational Administration
Committee Chair
Lenford Sutton
Committee Member
Lydia Kyei-Blankson
Committee Member
Perry Schoon
Abstract
This study addresses the limited research on university staff attitudes toward artificial intelligence use and adoption. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) research framework, the General Attitudes towards Artificial Intelligence Scale (GAAIS), and quantitative survey methodology, the study examines the attitudes of higher education staff toward AI, specifically examining whether demographic or professional characteristics are factors. The findings indicate that staff had moderately negative attitudes toward AI while also expressing some concerns. The results suggest that more resources and support for AI are needed for staff to address concerns. It also suggests that construct-level analysis should be paired with item-level examination.
Access Type
Dissertation-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Smith, Ashley C., "Staff Attitudes Toward AI Adoption at a Private Research University" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 2304.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/2304