Mississippi’s AI Network: Bridging Education and Workforce Innovation

07/24/2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already integral to our daily lives through personalized recommendation systems, smart home devices, and automated customer service chatbots. As AI evolves, its potential applications and benefits in education and the workforce seem limitless. 

“The artificial intelligence revolution is here, and Mississippi is poised to be at the forefront”
Dr. Jonathan Woodward, Vice President of Teaching & Learning and Community Campus at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Launch of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) 

In fall 2023, representatives from educational institutions across the state gathered at Mississippi State University to launch the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network or MAIN. Funded by AccelerateMS and established in partnership with global technology leaders Intel Corporation and Dell Technologies, MAIN is the nation’s first statewide initiative uniting public and private sector stakeholders to enhance AI capabilities. MAIN aims to foster statewide collaboration in AI education, technical support, and workforce training, leveraging industry partnerships and expertise. 

“To cultivate a diverse and skilled workforce for the future, it’s imperative to establish innovative pathways and educational initiatives that equip individuals with the requisite knowledge and skills,” said Dr. Courtney Taylor, Executive Director at AccelerateMS. “Artificial intelligence is a pivotal force in this endeavor. Through MAIN and its statewide partners, we aim to catalyze innovation and foster collaboration to nurture the next generation of workforce talent.” 

Collaboration and Partnerships 

MAIN partners with all 15 community colleges in Mississippi, as well as major universities such as Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, The University of Southern Mississippi, Alcorn State University, and Mississippi University for Women. Additionally, MAIN collaborates with state organizations such as the Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA), Institutions for Higher Learning (IHL), and the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), along with private institutions like Tougaloo College and Millsaps College. MAIN is continually expanding its network with new members as it provides AI leadership in Mississippi. 

Dr. Kollin Napier, an employee of MGCCC, serves as the Director of MAIN.

“MAIN offers a tremendous opportunity to pave the way for Mississippi to harness the full potential of AI in both the private and public sectors,” he said. “Initiatives like this are crucial in developing a workforce capable of adapting to today’s technological advancements and future innovations yet to come.” 

AI in the Workforce 

AI is already transforming various fields and revolutionizing industries such as healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and agriculture. Several employers in Mississippi are leveraging AI technology.  

Western Container utilizes AI to manufacture, sort, and package bottles for their bottling partners across the country. Automotive manufacturing plants, such as Nissan and Toyota, use AI for predictive maintenance, quality control, and optimizing production lines. Energy companies like Entergy and Mississippi Power have leveraged AI for grid management, predictive maintenance, and optimizing energy production and distribution. 

AI is transforming the way we work. Despite fears that AI will replace human workers, the reality is that AI systems are designed to augment human labor rather than replace it entirely. 

Training and Education Initiatives 

With the growth of automation and robotics across industries, training is vital to keeping the Mississippi workforce skilled and employable. Earlier this year, MAIN launched an “Intro to AI” course highlighting fundamental AI concepts, applications, historical evolution, current trends, societal impacts, and ethical considerations. This course has been made available to MAIN partner institutions’ administrators, faculty, and staff members. The availability of the Intro to AI course has been expanded to include Mississippi’s workforce and K-12 teachers, and it is offered for free. Additionally, other free courses are available, including Intro to Generative AI and AI for Manufacturing, with more courses to follow. To date, over 1,000 K-12 teachers and hundreds more professionals from across the state have enrolled in these courses.  

“We know there’s a need to empower our current workforce and the next generation — our current students, whether they’re in college, high school, middle school, or elementary school — by exposing them to artificial intelligence,” Napier said. “AI is already part of their lives and will only become more integral in the future.” 

This effort is part of a strategic collaboration with industry, academia, and community partners to design customized training that aligns with the unique needs and challenges of businesses across the state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for AI and machine learning professionals is estimated to grow by 22% until 2030, almost three times the rate for all occupations. By investing in training and development programs focused on AI, Mississippi companies can create a more resilient and competitive workforce. 

Looking Ahead 

As with any new technology, there are concerns about its potential negative impacts. AI can automate many tasks currently performed by humans, leading to job displacement in various industries. This can cause economic disruption and social instability, particularly for workers in low-skilled jobs. Additionally, AI poses serious privacy and security risks, along with ethical concerns. 

Despite these apprehensions, there is no denying the importance of artificial intelligence in the modern world. As we continue to develop and refine this technology, it will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of Mississippi. 

“Artificial intelligence is going to impact everybody,” Dr. Woodward said. “What I say to our students is, ‘You do not need to be worried about AI replacing you. You need to be worried about another person who knows AI replacing you.’” 

For more information and FREE courses offered by MAIN via MGCCC contact Dr. Kollin Napier, Director of Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) at MAIN@mgccc.edu

AccelerateMS serves the people and businesses of Mississippi by developing and deploying workforce strategies to connect individuals with transformative, high-paying careers. By leveraging resources and partnering with organizations that hold complementary missions, AccelerateMS effectuates positive change, creating sustained individual, community, and statewide economic prosperity.