April 27, 2023

Faculty Experts Discuss Generative AI Experience at SEC Universities

By: SEC Staff
SECU (Twitter: @TheSECU)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – On April 14, the Southeastern Conference hosted the SEC Generative AI Forum. The event featured faculty experts from SEC campuses who discussed the use of artificial intelligence in higher education.

“At the SEC, being at the forefront of any new and innovative way to address educational, societal and professional concerns is paramount,” said Dr. LeNá Powe McDonald, Associate Commissioner of Academic Relations at the SEC. “The Generative AI Forum provides an opportunity to address a very important concern to all of our faculty, staff, students and communities.”

Panelists spoke on various topics including defining generative AI, how it is being used by students and faculty, and the ethical concerns around the use of generative AI programs or tools in education. An open question-and-answer session followed the discussion.

With more than 800 views from online attendees and YouTube viewers, participants heard from seven faculty experts from SEC universities:

• Dr. Asim Ali, Executive Director at the Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning, Auburn University
• Dr. Gerald Baumgartner, Associate Professor in the Division of Computer Science and Engineering, Louisiana State University
• Dr. Charreau Bell, Senior Data Scientist at the Data Science Institute and Director of Undergraduate Data Science Minor, Vanderbilt University
• Dr. Jiaqi Gong, Associate Professor of Computer Science, University of Alabama
• Dr. Mimmo Parisi, Professor of Sociology; Executive Director, Data Science Programs; and Senior Advisor for European Development, Mississippi State University
• Dr. Chi-Ren Shyu, Paul K. and Dianne Shumaker Professor in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Director of the MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri
• Marc Watkins, Lecturer of Writing and Rhetoric, University of Mississippi

The forum was moderated by Dr. David Reed, Associate Provost for Strategic Initiatives and inaugural Director for the AI2 Center at the University of Florida.

Dr. Joe Glover, Florida’s Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, applauded the AI work and interest of SEC faculty. He emphasized that the Conference’s universities and provosts are united in furthering the initiative through the SEC Artificial Intelligence Consortium.

“We think this is an area that is going to be very important to all the SEC universities, for all the southeastern United States and indeed to the United States in general,” Glover said during the webinar. “One of the services that we think we are performing as a conference is to help build the AI workforce gap.”

About the SEC Artificial Intelligence Consortium

The SEC Artificial Intelligence Consortium is designed to grow opportunities in the fast-changing fields of AI and data science. Through this collaboration, SEC universities will share educational resources to enhance workforce development in all fields.

Visit the SEC AI Consortium webpage to view the calendar of upcoming events and learn more about AI efforts throughout the Conference.