Dr. Kollin Napier Millsaps College guest lecture explores AI in 2026 and the future of work
Between meetings and conferences this week, Dr. Kollin Napier, Ph.D., Director of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN), stepped into a classroom at Millsaps College. He delivered a powerful guest lecture for MGIS 3000: Management Information Systems in the Else School of Management.
Why this session stood out
Instead of a traditional lecture, Dr. Napier used thought-provoking prompts. Students stayed engaged and shared strong responses throughout the session.
Key topics covered in the lecture
- AI is now becoming essential infrastructure across industries
- Agentic AI systems that plan and act are accelerating fast
- Biggest productivity gains come from redesigning work processes
- Practical uses in marketing, operations, finance, HR, supply chain, and customer experience
- Leadership must focus on ethics, privacy, bias, and change management
- Humans must stay in the loop with every AI decision
Bringing the conversation home to Mississippi
Dr. Napier explained that global AI is powerful. Yet real success is local. Mississippi is building its own applied AI advantage through the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN).
MAIN focuses on education, workforce readiness, and responsible adoption across the state. This session is part of that larger effort.
What this means for the next generation of Mississippi leaders
Students preparing for careers in management and information systems gained real-world insights they can use immediately. They learned how to balance exciting productivity tools with ethical leadership. These skills will help them succeed as AI continues to reshape every industry.
The discussion also showed how higher education and state initiatives like MAIN work together. Together they prepare Mississippi’s future workforce for the opportunities ahead.
Thank you to Dr. Craig Orgeron and the entire Millsaps College community for the invitation. Special thanks to the MGIS 3000 students for their thoughtful participation.
Learn more about the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) →