Greetings, IAIER Supporters,

Happy Fall Break! We hope you are using Monday and Tuesday to rest, recharge, and prepare to finish the semester strong.

When classes resume, IAIER has two exciting learning opportunities waiting for you. On Wednesday, Microsoft will present Working Smarter with AI, an interactive workshop focused on practical ways to use artificial intelligence to increase productivity and support everyday work.

On Thursday, Dell will present AI Is for Everyone, a session inspired by IAIER’s guiding principle. Participants will explore the capabilities and potential applications of the NVIDIA GB10 while learning how emerging AI technologies can become more accessible and useful across disciplines.

Lunch will be provided by our corporate partners during both sessions. We encourage you to register and join us for hands-on learning, meaningful conversation, and practical takeaways.

Next week, we will host the second installment of our AI book club, Reading Between the Algorithms. This month’s selection is Human Compatible by Stuart Russell. Did you know that IAIER provides the featured book to participants at no cost? If your schedule makes traditional reading difficult, an audiobook option is also available.

Later this month, IAIER will partner with the Office of e-Learning and the Office of Faculty and Professional Development to offer AI for Design and Quality Matters. This faculty development series will explore how artificial intelligence can support thoughtful course design while maintaining quality, alignment, and academic integrity. Faculty members who successfully complete the series will earn a digital badge recognizing their professional learning.

We are grateful to everyone who has engaged with IAIER this semester, and we look forward to finishing the semester strong alongside you.

If you are interested in partnering, collaborating, or providing philanthropic support to the Institute, we welcome the opportunity to work with you. Your engagement helps us expand access to AI education, research, innovation, and workforce development across NCCU and beyond.

Rest, recharge, and then rejoin us as we continue learning and leading together.

Warm Regards,

Dr. Grady Co-Authors Nursing Outlook Article of the Year 📖

Dr. Siobahn Grady is among the co-authors of “Building competency in artificial intelligence and bias mitigation for nurse scientists and aligned health researchers,” selected as the 2026 Nursing Outlook Article of the Year in the Education category. The recognition is based on the article’s readership, citations and evaluation by the journal’s Editorial Advisory Board.

The article examines how nurse scientists and health researchers can strengthen their AI competencies and prepare to use emerging technologies responsibly. The work reflects Dr. Grady’s continued contributions at the intersection of artificial intelligence, education, research and workforce preparation.

Two days. Two opportunities to see AI in action. Join IAIER and industry experts from Microsoft and Dell Technologies for practical conversations about how AI is changing the way we work and learn.

Microsoft: Working Smarter With AI

Wednesday, October 14 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
📍 IAIER Building

Register for the Microsoft session

Dell Technologies: AI Is for Everyone—Learn From Experts

Thursday, October 15 | 9–11 a.m.
📍 IAIER Building

Register for the Dell Technologies session

Eagle Pride Takes Over the Patio 🦅

NCCU Faculty Put AI Into Practice 🧑🏻‍🏫

Dr. Stephanie P. Freeman, director of NCCU’s Arts and Humanities Program, has developed an AI-focused application that is currently being beta-tested by Arts and Humanities faculty and a UNC System colleague. Feedback from the testing phase will help guide the app’s continued development and refinement.

Readers can explore the app at aieducators.tech.

Dr. Sean Tikkun, associate professor of Curriculum and Instruction, has joined the Agentic AI in the Classroom and Curriculum Collaboration Circle. The group is part of the 2026–2027 UNC System Teaching and Learning with Generative AI Faculty Learning Community and includes faculty from five UNC System institutions.

Members will exchange resources and explore how agentic AI can inform classroom practice, curriculum development and teaching across disciplines.

National Day on Writing ✍🏾

Every piece of writing begins before the first word reaches the page. It starts with an idea, a question, an experience or simply something worth saying.

Observed each year on October 20, National Day on Writing recognizes the many ways writing helps us think, connect, create and make meaning. In an age of generative AI, that purpose has not disappeared—it has become even more important.

AI can help us brainstorm, organize ideas, strengthen structure and refine a draft. But the writer must still decide what matters, what the message means and why it needs to be shared. The perspective, judgment and intention behind the words remain human.

Technology may continue to change how we write, but the reason we write—and the voice behind it—still belongs to us.

Use the tools. Keep the voice.

AI learning is taking flight at NCCU! From September 2025 through August 2026, 239 unique learners engaged with AI content through LinkedIn Learning, exploring practical applications and the development of AI-powered solutions. It is exciting to see Eagles using this resource to expand their knowledge and discover new ways to put AI into practice.

EMERGING SCHOLARS & LEADERS

Emerging Leader Marquita Lyons-Smith Named Co-Lead Author

IAIER-U Vice President Begins NCDIT Security Internship

October at IAIER is packed with hands-on workshops, faculty learning, industry insight, and community conversation. Explore the full lineup and register early to reserve your spot.

Microsoft | Working Smarter with AI

📅 Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 11:00am
📍 IAIER Building
👥 Open to All

Explore practical ways AI can support everyday work during this interactive session with Microsoft. Attendees will learn about Microsoft Copilot, see real-world tools in action and discover new ways to work more efficiently.

👉🏻 Learn more here.

Dell | AI Is For Everyone - Learn From Experts

📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026, 9:00am
📍 IAIER Building
👥 Open to All

Dell representatives will lead the conversation on practical AI tools, emerging trends, and how artificial intelligence is shaping industries and education. Discussion topics will be tailored to the interests and skill sets of the NCCU community.

👉🏻 Learn more here.

IAIER | AI Book Club - Human Compatible by Stuart Russell

📅 Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 11:00am
📍 IAIER Building
👥 Open to All

Our next IAIER Book Club pick is Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control by Stuart Russell. The book explores one of the biggest questions surrounding AI: how do we build increasingly capable systems that remain aligned with human goals and values? Whether you’ve read every page or are simply interested in the topic, we’d love to have you join the discussion.

👉🏻 Learn more here.

IAIER, OeL, OFPD | AI for Course Design & Quality Matters

📅 Thursday, October 29, 2026, 11:00am
📍 Zoom Webinar
👥 NCCU Faculty and Staff

Join us for an upcoming webinar featuring practical AI tips and tricks for course design, along with helpful guidance and resources from Quality Matters to support strong, engaging learning experiences.

👉🏻 Learn more here.

Curated opportunities we’re watching beyond campus.

AI Builders Challenge North America

College and university students across the United States and Canada can join the free virtual AI Builders Challenge North America, sponsored by IBM SkillsBuild and organized by BeMyApp. After completing a required 15-minute IBM SkillsBuild course, participants will use IBM Bob to create a prototype for the AI for Good, AI for Business, or Wildcard Challenge.

The competition runs November 2–December 2 and offers $15,000 in prizes, including a $10,000 first-place award. All majors and experience levels are welcome; no coding experience is required.

Register and begin the required learning: AI Builders Challenge North America

ACUE Commons AI Quick Study Series

NCCU faculty and staff can access the fully funded ACUE Commons AI Quick Study Series through June 2027. The 10 self-paced modules cover effective prompting, AI-supported teaching and assignments, responsible student use, learning integrity, and original thinking.

Participants can work on their own schedule and leave with practical strategies they can apply in the classroom.

Register/Access the ACUE Commons here.

HBCU C² AI Command & Connect Challenge

Students can participate in HBCU C²’s 2026–2027 AI Command & Connect Challenge, a virtual, multi-phase experience in research, solution development, testing, and pitching.

Teams of up to three students will receive training and guidance as they develop solutions and prepare for the final challenge on April 1–2, 2027. Participants can strengthen their project and presentation skills, collaborate with peers, and compete for prizes.
🔗 Register Today: https://tnstate.jotform.com/262565068408160

What We Do
Advance responsible AI education, research, and workforce readiness across NCCU.

How We Show Up
• Faculty research and seed grant support
• Student learning pathways and leadership development
• Campus and community engagement
• Strategic industry and institutional partnerships

Our Focus
Scalable, university-wide programs and partnerships designed to create lasting impact across teaching, research, workforce development, and community engagement.

Want a deeper look? View the full IAIER overview (PDF).