AI in the Rock Comes to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to Explore AI in Education, Industry, and Innovation
What happens when artificial intelligence (AI) moves from the screen into the real world? Find out at the upcoming AI in the Rock @ 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock event on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Hosted by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock鈥檚 Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (DCSTEM), the event will bring together Central Arkansas鈥� growing AI community to explore how AI is transforming education, industry, innovation, and the broader community.
is a monthly meetup that brings together the Central Arkansas community to learn, share ideas, and explore real-world applications of AI.
This month鈥檚 event, 鈥淎I @ 糖心Vlog传媒LR x FlowZone by TruEx,鈥� will highlight AI initiatives at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock as well as a real-world collaboration involving FlowZone by TruEx.
鈥淐entral Arkansas has an opportunity to be a leader in how we use AI, and that starts with connecting the people who are learning, building and experimenting with the technology,鈥� said Matt Olson, co-founder of AI in the Rock. 鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock is an important part of that ecosystem, and we鈥檙e excited to bring the AI in the Rock community to campus to learn from what the university is doing and share ideas about where we go next.鈥�
糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock leaders will offer perspectives on the university鈥檚 AI efforts. Dr. Brian Berry, vice provost of research and dean of the Graduate School, will discuss the university鈥檚 broader AI strategy, faculty collaboration and long-term vision.
鈥淎s chair of the AI Council at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, I am committed to cultivating a cohesive, cross-disciplinary AI ecosystem,” said Berry. “Our vision is to bridge academic expertise with community needs, ensuring that we not only equip our students with future-ready skills, but also serve as a catalyst for innovation across Central Arkansas.”
Marla Johnson, inaugural tech entrepreneur-in-residence, will cover AI Hackathon events, industry collaborations, the startup ecosystem and experiential learning.
鈥淎fter riding emerging tech waves 鈥� web, mobile, social, online video, search 鈥� and training people across the country to turn new tech into new opportunity, I’m now equipping the next generation of Arkansas innovators with AI skills 鈥� professionals inside existing companies and students launching brand-new ones,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淚’m doing it so they can solve real problems that matter, not just chase what’s trendy.鈥�
Executive Director of Workforce Development Dr. Aaron Duvall will examine workforce transformation, employer expectations and how Arkansas businesses can prepare for an AI-driven future.
“AI is changing the skills employers value and the way work gets done,” Duvall said. “For Arkansas businesses, the opportunity is to prepare now by investing in their people, identifying where AI can improve their operations, and building a workforce that knows how to use these tools effectively and responsibly.鈥�
The event will also highlight 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 growing academic offerings in AI, including the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, AI-focused courses, graduate programs and industry-ready certificates. Attendees will learn how these programs prepare students with the skills and experience needed to navigate an increasingly AI-driven workforce.
鈥淎I is rapidly transforming how we learn, conduct research, innovate and work, and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has an exciting opportunity to help shape that transformation in Arkansas,鈥� said Dr. Tansel Karabacak, dean of DCSTEM. 鈥淭hrough our academic programs, interdisciplinary research and partnerships with industry and the community, we are preparing students not simply to use AI, but to become the innovators and problem-solvers who will help define how it is applied responsibly in the real world.鈥�
The conversation will also explore the challenges of using AI, including responsible AI use, human oversight, deepfakes and misinformation, and lessons learned through practical applications of the technology.
The event will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Engineering and Information Technology (EIT) Building. It is free and open to everyone, with food and beverages provided. Space is limited, so please register in advance. Visit the to learn more and RSVP.