(L to R) Dr. Merideth Van Namen, DSU President Emeritus Dr. Kent Wyatt and Dr. Kollin Napier.CLEVELAND, Miss. — The College of Education, Arts, and Humanities at Delta State University held its annual Kent Wyatt Distinguished Lecture on Thursday, November 7. This year’s guest lecturer, Dr. Kollin Napier, Director of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) and faculty member at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, delivered an insightful presentation on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Mississippi’s educational and workforce landscapes.
Napier leads the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network, the nation’s first statewide AI initiative. MAIN, in partnership with Mississippi’s 15 community colleges, several universities, and public and private organizations, aims to advance AI awareness, education, and training for Mississippi’s workforce. With a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Mississippi State University, Napier brings extensive expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering. His background includes years of experience with the MSU Extension Service, where he contributed to technological advancements as a software application developer and later as a software architect.
Dr. Merideth Van Namen, Interim Dean of the College of Education, Arts, and Humanities at Delta State, praised Napier’s work, stating, “Dr. Napier is leading the way for Mississippi to take the lead in understanding AI and its impact on institutions and careers of the future. He has a captivating way of sharing research and guiding current and future educators and professionals to better understand and adapt to the future with AI.”
Napier’s lecture underscored the importance of preparing Mississippi’s workforce for the future by equipping students and professionals with skills in artificial intelligence. Attendees gained insights into the practical applications of AI and the ways it can drive innovation across various industries.
The lecture also served as a platform to recognize Cathy Coleman-Sparks as the College of Education, Arts, and Humanities’ 2024 Outstanding Alumna. Her exemplary contributions to the field of education were celebrated by faculty, students, and alumni present at the event.
For more information about the Kent Wyatt Distinguished Lecture and other events at Delta State University’s College of Education, Arts, and Humanities, please visit Delta State University’s website or contact Dr. Meridith Van Namen at 662-846-4373 or by email at mvannamen@deltastate.edu.
