At NCCU, AI is for Everyone: Inside the IAIER Summit

North Carolina Central University is redefining the future of technology in higher education.

Through itsInstitute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research(IAIER) and a landmark collaboration with OpenAI Academy, NCCU convened more than 445 voices at the first-of-its-kind AI Summit for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

The IAIER at NCCU x OpenAI Academy Summit: HBCUs Leading the Future took place Aug. 29, bringing together students, faculty, industry experts, policymakers and community members from across the nation. Attendees represented HBCUs, including North Carolina A&T State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Tennessee State University, Hampton University and Winston-Salem State University.

Governor Josh Stein opened the summit with a recorded message celebrating NCCU's leadership. He praised OpenAI's partnership with the university, expressed support for HBCU education, and called the creation of the IAIER a historic moment.

During the opening session, Alex Nawar, head of OpenAI Academy, emphasized the company's mission.

"Our mission is to make sure artificial intelligence benefits everyone," he said.

Ronnie Chatterji, Ph.D., chief economist at OpenAI, added a practical perspective.

"Those of you who know how to use it and how to leverage it, you're going to do better at your job than people who don't."

One of the day's most moving moments came during a session designed for older adults to learn about AI.

Younger attendees joined to support parents and family members as the Digital Empowerment Leadership Program, led by Patrice Walker, Ph.D., with Siobahn Day Grady, Ph.D., principal investigator and IAIER director, distributed 70 HP laptops.

Among the recipients was Chyna McQueen, Ph.D., associate dean of students at Louisburg College, who said the gift would allow her mother to research ChatGPT to support her father, who is battling stage four brain cancer.

The student panel brought additional energy to the day.

"If you missed it, you will have to catch it next year," said Cameron Shaw, Graduate Student Association president. "The student panel was a great opportunity to connect with other students and dive into conversations about AI, education and more."

The summit closed with remarks from Grady.

"Watching my vision for this summit come to life was truly a dream come true," she said. "Seeing participants engage in AI sessions and panels, exchange ideas, and build connections underscored why this summit was not only necessary but vital. We brought together HBCUs, community members, other universities, industry professionals, and government leaders-all united by a shared commitment to shaping the future of artificial intelligence."