Published August 16, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. CT by the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network.
Source attribution: This MAIN brief summarizes and contextualizes Alcorn State University’s August 16, 2024 announcement about its Fall Faculty and Staff Institute.
Alcorn State University opened its 2024 Fall Faculty and Staff Institute with sessions on generative AI, institutional priorities and workforce preparation. Dr. Kollin Napier of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network delivered the keynote.
Generative AI and Mississippi’s workforce
Napier’s keynote, “How Generative AI Is Shaping Our Future,” connected AI education with new academic programs, workforce skills and economic development. Alcorn reported that Intel was providing AI curriculum to education partners in Mississippi and that MAIN was working toward AI labs at higher education institutions, including Alcorn State.
The university also reported historical MAIN training figures shared during the institute. At that time, more than 1,200 K-12 teachers had enrolled in AI courses, representing 3,500 cumulative hours of AI education for K-12 educators.
Alcorn State’s institutional priorities
President Tracy M. Cook used the institute to discuss capacity, operational efficiency, service, recruitment and retention. According to Alcorn, he also announced a 3% faculty and staff pay raise and addressed accountability, communication, mental health and work-life balance.
Placing the AI keynote within the broader institute connected technology planning with the university’s academic and organizational work. The source announcement documents the event and its stated priorities; it does not establish later implementation outcomes.
Explore MAIN’s current AI courses, implementation support through the AI Innovation Hub and public resources.
Original reporting
Read Alcorn State University’s complete announcement: Alcorn State University hosts Fall Faculty and Staff Institute, addresses AI and university priorities.