Source: This MAIN post summarizes Alcorn State University’s August 16, 2024 announcement, “Alcorn State University hosts Fall Faculty and Staff Institute, addresses AI and university priorities.”
Alcorn State University opened its Fall Faculty and Staff Institute with a focus on artificial intelligence, institutional priorities, and workforce readiness. The program included a State of the University address by President Tracy M. Cook, Ed.D. In addition, Dr. Kollin Napier of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) delivered a keynote address.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Napier, director of MAIN at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, delivered the keynote, “How Generative AI is Shaping our Future.”
- The keynote connected AI education and training with Mississippi workforce development and economic growth.
- Alcorn reported that Intel was providing free AI curriculum to educational partners in Mississippi.
- Napier discussed plans for AI labs across Mississippi higher education institutions, including Alcorn State.
- Napier shared MAIN’s statewide AI education totals: more than 1,200 K-12 teachers enrolled in AI courses and 3,500 cumulative hours of AI education provided to K-12 educators.
MAIN’s Role in the Alcorn Institute
The Alcorn announcement identified Dr. Napier as director of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN). His keynote focused on how generative AI is shaping education and why AI literacy matters for Mississippi’s future workforce.
Importantly, Napier emphasized that AI education can help Mississippi prepare for new programs, courses, degrees, and industry investment. The source article also noted plans to establish AI labs at higher education institutions across the state. Alcorn State is included in that effort.
Alcorn State University Priorities
During the same institute, President Cook outlined priorities for Alcorn State University. These include building capacity, operating efficiently, improving customer service, and strengthening recruitment and retention. He also announced a 3% pay raise for faculty and staff, according to the Alcorn source.
Cook encouraged accountability, cross-training, better communication, and collaboration across university departments. He also addressed mental health and work-life balance for faculty and staff.
Why This Matters for Mississippi
Overall, AI literacy and workforce preparation are central to MAIN’s statewide mission. Events like Alcorn State’s Faculty and Staff Institute help connect AI education with practical needs across higher education, K-12 education, and Mississippi’s workforce pipeline.
Learn more through MAIN’s AI courses and workforce training, the AI Innovation Hub, and public AI resources.
Original Source
Read the full Alcorn State University announcement: Alcorn State University hosts Fall Faculty and Staff Institute, addresses AI and university priorities.