The SREB ChatAI Q&A featured Dr. Kollin Napier, Director of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN), as a member of its Commission on AI in Education. The profile highlights MAIN’s free, statewide AI training.

Key Details

  • What: A “ChatAI” Q&A profile in the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) series.
  • Who: SREB, its Commission on AI in Education, and Dr. Kollin Napier, Director of MAIN at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
  • When: 2025.
  • Where: Mississippi, within the SREB region.
  • Why it matters: It spotlights Mississippi’s statewide approach to AI education.

Why the SREB ChatAI Q&A With Dr. Kollin Napier Matters

Napier serves on SREB’s Commission on AI in Education. As a result, Mississippi’s work is informing a regional conversation on AI. In addition, the profile notes that MAIN offers free, self-paced courses on topics such as Generative AI, AI for Manufacturing, and cybersecurity. Importantly, MAIN partners with all 15 community colleges, public universities, and industry to raise AI awareness. For example, MAIN has delivered tens of thousands of hours of free AI training across the state. Consequently, educators and workers can gain practical skills without cost. Furthermore, the initiative supports responsible AI adoption in both classrooms and industry.

“MAIN is the nation’s first and only statewide AI initiative, leading the charge in AI education and workforce development.”

Dr. Kollin Napier, Director of MAIN, in the SREB ChatAI Q&A

MAIN’s Role

Through MAIN, Mississippi connects education, workforce, and industry around practical AI skills. Specifically, MAIN delivers free training and resources so educators, students, and workers can build AI literacy. In addition, MAIN coordinates with community colleges and universities so programs stay aligned with employer needs. As a result, Mississippi can grow a workforce ready for an AI-driven economy.

Explore MAIN’s free AI courses, learn more about MAIN, or read the source profile from SREB.