JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville State University will host a two-day summit focused on the growing influence of artificial intelligence in education and the workforce. AI Forward: From Classroom to Career is scheduled for February 11–12, 2027, at Merrill Hall on the university’s campus.
The event will bring together K–12 educators, higher education professionals, students and industry leaders to examine how artificial intelligence is changing teaching, learning and workplace practices. The summit will also provide opportunities for collaboration between educational institutions and businesses.
“AI is already reshaping our classrooms and workplaces, and higher education has an important role in helping students understand not only how to use these tools, but how to use them thoughtfully and responsibly,” said Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth Jr. “AI Forward gives us an opportunity to bring educators and industry leaders together to learn from one another and have meaningful conversations about how we prepare students for what comes next.”
Anthony Robbins, a Jax State alumnus and former vice president at NVIDIA, will serve as the featured keynote speaker. Robbins will discuss the influence of artificial intelligence on education, industry and workforce development, drawing on his experience in technology and innovation.
The summit will focus on three primary areas: K–12 education, higher education and student success, and business and industry.
Scheduled activities include keynote presentations, breakout sessions, panel discussions, an AI Exhibitor Expo, an AI Showcase poster session and networking opportunities. Representatives from Coca-Cola UNITED, Honda, AmFirst Credit Union and other industry organizations are expected to participate in featured sessions.
Call for Proposals Open Through November 9
Jacksonville State University is accepting presentation proposals from educators, higher education professionals and industry partners interested in sharing research, practical applications and experiences involving artificial intelligence.
Proposals will be considered in two primary categories: K–12 Education and Higher Education & Student Success.
Potential topics include AI-assisted teaching and learning, student AI literacy, academic integrity, responsible technology use, accessibility, institutional practices, faculty productivity and preparing students for an increasingly AI-driven workforce.
Industry professionals are also encouraged to participate when their proposals demonstrate a connection to education, particularly through partnerships with schools or higher education institutions.
Presenters may submit proposals for 30-minute presentations, 10-minute presentations or participation in the AI Showcase poster session. The showcase will allow faculty members and students to present research, classroom applications, prototypes, creative projects and other AI-related work.
The proposal submission deadline is November 9, 2026. Submissions will be evaluated based on relevance, clarity, practical application, audience value and alignment with the summit’s objectives.
Selected presenters are expected to receive notification in early December and will receive complimentary registration.
Proposals may be submitted through the university’s AI Forward Call for Proposals page.
Summit Schedule and Registration
The summit will begin Thursday, February 11, with the AI Exhibitor Expo, opening keynote, breakout sessions, cross-sector discussions and AI Showcase.
Programming will continue Friday, February 12, with additional breakout sessions and presentations focused on applying ideas and strategies discussed during the event. Optional post-conference workshops will be available Friday afternoon.
The event is open to K–12 teachers and administrators, college and university faculty and staff, students, business professionals, workforce development organizations and community partners.
Registration is free, but advance registration is required. Early registration continues through January 9, 2027, with final registration closing January 27.
Participants can register through the AI Forward registration page.
Additional information, including the summit schedule and presentation opportunities, is available at www.jsu.edu/aiforward.
