Rise AI SUMMIT: Running into the Algorithmic Era

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By Micah Edwards

AI is on the rise and changing the game – But how do we go from here? AI is becoming more and more prominent in the world; can’t stop the inevitable, so why not embrace it and learn to use it for our benefit.

From the classrooms to workplaces, AI is integrated in our everyday lives. On September 10th, 2026, WSSU hosted its inaugural AI Summit with 330 attendees at the Benton Convention Center in which professors, industry professionals and community partners were able to discuss the growth of AI and its influence across business, education, and the general population. The keynote speaker was Dr. Siobhan Day Grady and the host was Dr. Jack Monell.

Dr. Siobhan Day Grady, a 2005 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is the founding director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research at North Carolina Central University. Dr. Grady’s research spans artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and algorithmic bias, with applied work addressing misinformation, autonomous systems, and bias in healthcare technologies.

During the Summit, panelists from different workforces were able to share their thoughts and plans about the use of AI for students and upcoming graduates.

“AI has potential to level the playing field, giving you opportunities, that didn't exist. […] I didn't see any of this for myself. It's changing things. Entrepreneurship is so much easier. I know you all have such bold and creative ideas, AI could be a tool that helps you achieve your goals,” says Dr. Grady. Before long, the Rise to AI event gave many majors a way to connect with artificial intelligence. For instance, College students with a future in Occupational Therapy Education can hear from a professorabout how to create student success and use artificial intelligence skills as an assistant. The point of having multiple rooms on sources with diverse topics is to connect people with the reality of artificial intelligence. Yes, it is prominent now. But as Professor Tilly has stated, “students cannot strongly depend on ai.” Because it can have flaws of its own. On the other hand, Dr. Grady believes artificial intelligence is “the 1st thing that will be successful, recently, is faculty adopting AI until they're teaching and learning, which they won't. Because if they start incorporating the AI to their teachings and learning More interaction with engagement.” College students are currently using artificial intelligence the most. But to be more specific, college students in the field of computer science work directly with artificial intelligence. Computer science undergraduates work with the infrastructure and how to apply it to the real world. However, that does not mean that people in this major are the only ones that can be affected. We interviewed Tanagh Murchison, an undergraduate Information Technologies student at Winston-Salem State University. We asked him some questions about his courses throughout his time at Winston-Salem State University. The question was, “How could AI be used to solve challenges specifically for College students?” Tanagh responded by stating that ChatGPT is the most reliable artificial intelligence app to use and is vital “in terms of your daily life.” Because of recent news, some other artificial intelligence programs might not be as reliable as every college student would think. Tanagh Murchison refers to daily life like the artificial summary that has now been implemented on all Google

Platforms.