Dr. Kollin Napier spoke with the Pascagoula Area Council about AI in Mississippi on Friday, June 26, 2026. The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 8:30 a.m. gathering at 720 Krebs Avenue in Pascagoula. The Jackson County Small Business Incubator co-hosted the event.
Dr. Napier serves as director of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN). His remarks introduced MAIN’s statewide work and explained why practical AI knowledge matters to Mississippi communities.
A practical conversation about AI in Mississippi
During the conversation, Dr. Napier discussed MAIN’s focus on AI literacy, workforce readiness, and responsible adoption. He also connected those priorities to the needs of local employers, educators, public leaders, and residents.
AI is changing how people learn, work, and make decisions. Therefore, communities need clear information and useful training. MAIN helps Mississippians build that understanding while keeping people and local needs at the center of adoption.
The session gave Pascagoula-area leaders a direct look at this work. It also created space for a local conversation about the questions and opportunities surrounding AI in Mississippi.
Connecting statewide coordination with Jackson County
Community discussions are an important part of MAIN’s approach. They help connect statewide coordination with the priorities of individual regions. In addition, they allow business owners and community members to consider how AI skills may support their organizations and workforce.
The Pascagoula Area Council invited all residents, business owners, and community members to attend. Chamber membership was not required. As a result, the event offered a broad community audience an accessible introduction to MAIN and its work.
About the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network
MAIN is Mississippi’s coordinated statewide AI initiative based at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Its work includes practical AI literacy, workforce development, responsible adoption, educator capacity, and education-to-workforce alignment.
Learn more about MAIN’s work across Mississippi and follow future news, courses, and community opportunities at mainms.org.