The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host the monthly AI in the Rock meetup on Aug. 26, bringing together educators, business leaders, and technologists to examine how artificial intelligence is changing classrooms and workplaces. The free event, running from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Engineering and Information Technology Building, will showcase the university's AI programs alongside a partnership with FlowZone by TruEx.
UA Little Rock's Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is hosting the session, titled "AI @ UALR x FlowZone by TruEx." Organizers say the gathering will connect Central Arkansas's growing AI community around practical applications in education and industry.
University leaders outline AI strategy
Several UA Little Rock officials will speak about the university's approach to AI. Dr. Brian Berry, vice provost of research and dean of the Graduate School, will discuss the institution's AI strategy and faculty collaboration.
"As chair of the AI Council at UA 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, the university's inaugural tech entrepreneur-in-residence, will cover AI Hackathon events, industry collaborations, and the startup ecosystem. Dr. Aaron Duvall, executive director of workforce development, will address how Arkansas businesses can prepare for changes in employer expectations.
"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."
Academic programs and practical challenges
The event will highlight UA Little Rock's AI offerings, including a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, AI-focused courses, graduate programs, and industry certificates. Attendees will hear how these programs prepare students for an AI-driven job market. For professionals looking to build similar skills, AI Learning Path for Teachers offers structured training for educators.
"AI is rapidly transforming how we learn, conduct research, innovate and work, and UA Little Rock has an exciting opportunity to help shape that transformation in Arkansas," said Dr. Tansel Karabacak, dean of DCSTEM. "Through 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."
The conversation will also address the risks that come with AI adoption, including responsible use, human oversight, deepfakes, and misinformation. Organizers said the goal is to share lessons learned from real-world deployments, not just theoretical possibilities. Those seeking broader coverage of AI in academic settings can explore AI for Education resources.
Matt Olson, co-founder of AI in the Rock, said the meetup series exists to connect people actively working with the technology.
"Central 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," Olson said. "UA Little Rock is an important part of that ecosystem, and we're 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."
Space is limited. Registration is required through the event page, and food and beverages will be provided.
Why this matters for educators
For educators, the event offers a direct look at how one university is building AI literacy into its curriculum and workforce training. The discussion of employer expectations and responsible AI use provides practical signals for teachers designing lessons or advising students on career paths. Attendees can also see how academic institutions are partnering with industry to keep their programs aligned with real job requirements.
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