Generative AI is increasingly embedded in teaching and campus operations. A Chronicle feature reports that more instructors are using AI tools in coursework and assessment, sparking debate over whether the technology improves pedagogy or undermines academic standards. Faculty adoption ranges from lesson creation to plagiarism detection and automated feedback. A new report from the United Negro College Fund, Huston–Tillotson University and Ellucian finds very high AI engagement at HBCUs: administrators, faculty and students are experimenting with tools but institutional plans, training and funding lag. Cost and policy gaps were identified as the primary barriers to systematic implementation, and respondents warned about bias and equity concerns without institutional guardrails. Higher education leaders face a strategic choice: invest in targeted training, governance and partnerships to harness AI for student success, or risk ad hoc adoption that could amplify inequality and academic integrity challenges.