"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined... But where can wisdom be found?"Job 28:1
Building on this biblical foundation, Colorado Christian University has launched the Quarry Innovation Lab — a new incubator for artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, designed to equip students and faculty with wisdom for a rapidly changing world.
Wisdom for a New Age
Located in the heart of George Whitefield Hall, The Quarry embodies CCU's conviction that wisdom begins with God. People are made in the image of God, and true intelligence will never be artificial. By rooting technological exploration in this biblical truth, CCU is preparing students to not merely use AI, but to steward it wisely, ethically, and creatively.
The urgency is real. Entry-level positions are already disappearing in fields such as coding, accounting, and graphic design, as many aspects of these positions are being reshaped or replaced by automation. Rather than retreat from these disruptions, CCU is advancing boldly into this new technological landscape with a distinctly Christian perspective. As history reminds us, God's plan has moved from a garden in Genesis to a city in Revelation, with each generation adapting to new tools — from bronze to iron, slide rules to calculators, and now, to AI.
"The primary problem is failure of imagination," explains Dr. David Kotter, dean of the School of Theology, who directs this initiative at CCU. "Artificial intelligence can do much more today than our students even think to ask or pursue."
The Quarry exists to close that gap, equipping students to imagine, create, and lead with Christ-centered wisdom.
Five Stations of Innovation
The Quarry offers five interactive stations designed to foster meaningful exploration and guided reflection for participants across disciplines and interests. Each area reflects CCU's belief that technology must serve people thoughtfully, empowering them through purpose-driven innovation rather than replacing them.
- Discovery Center — Workshops and dialogue on emerging technologies
- VR/AR Zone — Immersive experiences in virtual and augmented reality
- Coding & Collaboration — Team tables for "vibe coding" and testing new ideas
- AI Consultant Pod — One-on-one guidance with faculty and AI mentors
- Coffee & Reflection — An inviting space for prayer, conversation, and discernment
Workshops and Events
This fall, three workshops introduced the lab to students: First Steps into an AI World; Wisdom at the Crossroads; and The Future of Work and Witness. In each session, CCU students stepped into the unfolding story of technology and faith, exploring what it means to navigate artificial intelligence as followers of Christ. They practiced how to research and write ethically, wrestled with new questions about creativity and calling, and discovered how emerging tools could enhance their work across every discipline.
Faculty and staff workshops extended the vision further — considering AI's role in transforming pedagogy, curriculum design, ethics, and daily efficiency. Workshops for online students and faculty are already planned for the spring semester, ensuring the momentum continues to reach the entirety of CCU's community.
That momentum is real and already building. In October, CCU celebrated The Quarry's official ribbon-cutting ceremony with national leaders in technology and ethics — a milestone that signaled not simply a beginning, but a bold statement of purpose.
Days later, CCU students participated in the AI Gloo Hackathon, which offered $250,000 in prizes and showcased how Christian creativity can shape the future of innovation. The year ahead promises even more excitement, with upcoming events including debates, conferences, and continued collaborations that position CCU at the forefront of Christian engagement with AI.
Preparing Leaders Who Last
CCU President Eric Hogue emphasized that CCU's priorities remain unchanged: "Our mission begins with honoring Christ and teaching students to trust the Bible. We also focus on teaching students how to learn, how to think for themselves, and how to communicate clearly. These skills will always be in high demand."
"Everything is impossible until it isn't," added Kotter.
The Quarry stands ready to prove that the future belongs to those who combine technological capability with timeless truth.
