Greetings, IAIER Supporters,

September is drawing to a close, and we are looking ahead to an exciting October filled with football, Homecoming traditions, fall break, and continued opportunities for learning and connection.

NCCU Homecoming begins in October, and IAIER is excited to welcome alumni, friends, partners, and members of the campus community to the Innovation Hub for our Homecoming Reception on Monday, October 5. We invite you to stop by, fellowship with us, explore our space, and learn more about the work taking place through IAIER. We also hope to see you cheering on the Eagles at the Homecoming game!

October will also bring an exciting lineup of programs featuring Microsoft, Dell, and Google. With sessions designed for students, faculty, staff, and community members, there is truly something for everyone.

Our AI in Action Quick Series continues this fall in partnership with the Office of e-Learning and the Office of Faculty and Professional Development. Through these focused sessions, faculty are exploring practical and responsible ways to incorporate artificial intelligence into teaching, learning, and their professional work.

We also invite you to learn more about Reading Between the Algorithms, IAIER’s book club exploring the human, social, and ethical questions shaping our relationship with artificial intelligence through a thoughtfully curated reading list.

At IAIER, we believe AI is for everyone. Every program, partnership, and learning opportunity is developed with intention and care as we work to expand access, strengthen understanding, and prepare our community to lead in an AI-powered world.

As always, we welcome opportunities to collaborate, build strategic partnerships, and advance this work through philanthropic investment. Thank you for continuing to learn, engage, and grow with us.

The season is changing, but the momentum continues.

Warm Regards,

🎤 Dr. Grady Attends the Latimer Futures Summit in Philadelphia

Dr. Siobahn Day Grady was invited to Philadelphia for the 2026 Latimer Futures Summit, an invite-only gathering bringing together innovators, founders, executives, investors, and other leaders to explore what’s next in AI, technology, culture, and Afrofuturism.

With roughly 30 angel investors in the room, and only around 200 attendees, the summit created a unique space for new connections, big ideas, and conversations around the people and organizations shaping the future of innovation. Dr. Grady’s invitation also provided another opportunity to represent NCCU and IAIER in a room filled with leaders looking for what—and who—is coming next.

🎤 Dr. Grady Joins DHGI Panel at Meharry Medical College

Dr. Grady traveled to Nashville to join leaders at Meharry Medical College for a panel hosted by the Diaspora Human Genomics Institute (DHGI). The visit brought together experts working across research, technology, health, and innovation, with Dr. Grady contributing her perspective on artificial intelligence and the rapidly evolving role of emerging technologies. DHGI, which is chartered by Meharry Medical College, is focused on advancing research with particular attention to populations of African ancestry.

🔹 Eagles in Action: 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance

On September 18, NCCU’s Office of Community Engagement and Service hosted 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance: Eagles in Action at the IAIER Building. The student service event was held in collaboration with Veterans Affairs, Students in Public Service (SiPS), and the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and marked the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.

Participants spent the morning giving back through service activities supporting community members in need, including veterans and individuals transitioning into more stable housing. The event centered on remembrance, reflection, and resilience, honoring those impacted by 9/11 while continuing the spirit of service that followed.

🔹 AI Book Club - The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman

Our latest IAIER Book Club focused on a thoughtful discussion of Mustafa Suleyman’s The Coming Wave. The conversation explored the rapid pace of technological change, the challenge of containing increasingly powerful technologies, and what it means to keep humanity in the driver’s seat as AI continues to evolve.

We also tried something new this month by recording the discussion so those who could not attend live can still join the conversation. The full session is now available through our IAIER Zoom Hub and can be viewed here!

🔹 AI Faculty Quick Series

NCCU faculty kicked off the AI in Action series with AI Foundations for Teaching and Learning, a practical look at how AI can support teaching while keeping faculty expertise and judgment at the center. The session included hands-on demonstrations, prompt guides, and resources for using AI tools within Canvas and the classroom.

Faculty explored ways to use AI for course announcements, discussion prompts and rubrics, student feedback, and grading support, along with guidance for setting clear expectations around AI use in syllabi. Throughout the session, the emphasis remained on responsible use, transparency, student privacy, and ensuring that instructors remain in control of final decisions.

The series will continue throughout the academic year with additional quick sessions designed to give faculty practical tools they can put to use right away. Sign up for all AI in Action Quick Series sessions here!

🔹 Salesforce Brings the Agentic Campus to NCCU

On September 23, IAIER welcomed Salesforce and Carahsoft to campus for The Agentic Campus: Transforming Higher Ed with Data & AI. The full-day event brought together higher education leaders to explore how AI, connected data, and intelligent automation can support enrollment, student success, advancement, and IT.

Through live demonstrations, panel discussions, and peer networking, attendees got a closer look at what a more connected, AI-enabled campus can look like in practice. We were excited to host the conversation at the IAIER Building and continue creating space for higher education professionals to learn, connect, and explore emerging technologies together.

🌟 National Library Card Sign-up Month

We’re enjoying a brief mid-semester slowdown as we recharge and prepare for an exciting lineup of October events! In the meantime, it was wonderful connecting with everyone who joined us for IAIER Book Club and AI in Action Quick Series. Thank you to our campus and community members who continue to show up, engage, and learn alongside us.

EMERGING SCHOLARS & LEADERS

IAIER Research Featured at National Policy Conference

IAIER Program Coordinator and doctoral researcher Christopher Lawson represented the Institute at TPRC, a national forum focused on technology, communications, and information policy. He presented “Building Equitable AI Ecosystems: Institutional Capacity, Partnerships, and Policy Implications at a Minority-Serving Institution,” which examined how NCCU is strengthening its capacity for artificial intelligence through strategic partnerships, faculty development, student engagement, workforce preparation, and community AI literacy. The research also included contributions from IAIER Graduate Assistant Shantel Riddick.

The presentation highlighted the role HBCUs can play in responsible AI adoption and governance while exploring how partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations can broaden access to AI education and career opportunities. Sharing this work at TPRC brings IAIER’s perspective into national discussions on AI literacy, policy, public-sector evaluation, and workforce readiness.

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, 4:30pm
📍 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.

Google | AI Workshop Series - Student Session

📅 Monday, October 19, 2026, 1:00pm
📍 IAIER Building
👥 NCCU Students

Learn how to use Google's AI tools to support your coursework, research, and projects — from brainstorming and writing assistance to data analysis and study tools.

👉🏻 Learn more here.

Google | AI Workshop Series - Faculty Session

📅 Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 9:00am
📍 IAIER Building
👥 NCCU Faculty/Staff

Explore how Google's AI tools can streamline lesson planning, enhance instruction, and support research and administrative work.

👉🏻 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 events and opportunities we’re watching across the region.

NCCU faculty and staff can take advantage of the ACUE Commons AI Quick Study Series, a fully funded, self-paced opportunity focused on practical ways to use AI in teaching and learning. The series includes 10 AI-focused modules available through June 2027, covering effective prompting, approaches to AI use in assignments, responsible student AI use, learning integrity, and developing original thinking in the age of AI.

The modules are asynchronous, so faculty can work through them on their own schedule and come away with practical ideas they can apply directly in the classroom. Register/Access the ACUE Commons here.

🚀 Student Opportunity Spotlight: AI Command & Connect Challenge 2026-2027

Turn Your Ideas into Impact.

IAIER is excited to share an outstanding opportunity for students interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, research, and emerging technologies. The 2026-2027 AI Command & Connect Challenge invites students from across the nation to develop innovative solutions, collaborate with peers, and showcase their ideas on a national stage.

Participants will engage in a year-long experience designed to strengthen skills in research development, ideation, testing, branding, pitching, and presentation. Through monthly training sessions and collaborative brainstorming opportunities, students will receive guidance and support as they refine their concepts and prepare for competition.

The challenge will culminate on April 1-2, 2027, when student teams will present their ideas and compete alongside participants from colleges and universities across the country.

✅ Develop innovation and problem-solving skills
✅ Gain experience in research and project development
✅ Strengthen presentation and pitching abilities
✅ Collaborate with fellow student innovators
✅ Showcase your ideas on a national platform

Teams may consist of up to three students, and each team must complete the registration form in its entirety.

IAIER encourages NCCU students to take advantage of this exciting opportunity to explore new ideas, build valuable skills, and contribute innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

📅 Challenge Event: April 1-2, 2027
🔗 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).