AI in the Rock Comes to UA Little Rock to Explore AI in Education, Industry, and Innovation
What happens when artificial intelligence (AI) moves from the screen into the real world? Find out at the upcoming AI in the Rock @ UA Little Rock event on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Hosted by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (DCSTEM), the event will bring together Central Arkansas’ growing AI community to explore how AI is transforming education, industry, innovation, and the broader community.
AI in the Rock is a monthly meetup that brings together the Central Arkansas community to learn, share ideas, and explore real-world applications of AI.
This month’s event, “AI @ UALR x FlowZone by TruEx,” will highlight AI initiatives at UA Little Rock as well as a real-world collaboration involving FlowZone by TruEx.
“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,” said Matt Olson, co-founder of AI in the Rock. “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.”
UA Little Rock leaders will offer perspectives on the university’s AI efforts. Dr. Brian Berry, vice provost of research and dean of the Graduate School, will discuss the university’s broader AI strategy, faculty collaboration and long-term vision.
“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, inaugural tech entrepreneur-in-residence, will cover AI Hackathon events, industry collaborations, the startup ecosystem and experiential learning.
Executive Director of Workforce Development Dr. Aaron Duvall will examine workforce transformation, employer expectations and how Arkansas businesses can prepare for an AI-driven future.
“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.”
The event will also highlight UA Little Rock’s growing academic offerings in AI, including the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, AI-focused courses, graduate programs and industry-ready certificates. Attendees will learn how these programs prepare students with the skills and experience needed to navigate an increasingly AI-driven workforce.
“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 explore the challenges of using AI, including responsible AI use, human oversight, deepfakes and misinformation, and lessons learned through practical applications of the technology.
The event will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Engineering and Information Technology (EIT) Building. It is free and open to everyone, with food and beverages provided. Space is limited, so please register in advance. Visit the event page to learn more and RSVP.