Courtesy of GSU Communications
Grambling State University technology leaders recently contributed to national discussions focused on artificial intelligence, career readiness, workforce transformation, digital innovation, and the future of student success through engagements at the 2026 MS-CC Annual Meeting in New Orleans and IBM at NY Tech Week 2026 in New York.
The engagements highlighted Grambling State’s continued focus on preparing students for an evolving workforce while exploring how emerging technologies can strengthen student support, enhance campus operations, and expand experiential learning opportunities.
At the 2026 MS-CC Annual Meeting on May 29 in New Orleans, Max Ferguson, Chief Experience & Digital Strategy Officer, and Kim Proctor, Technology Manager, participated in a discussion alongside 525 Technologies and Info-Tech Research Group focused on career readiness, AI readiness, and workforce transformation.
Dr. Bharat Rawal, head of Grambling State University’s Department of Computer Science and Digital Technologies, served as a speaker at the MS-CC meeting.
The discussion explored strategies for preparing students for AI-driven workforce changes, building future-ready skills, and supporting experiential learning through interns, STC participants, and student technology teams. Proctor’s participation also highlighted the collaborative role of Grambling State’s technology leadership in supporting student engagement and hands-on learning opportunities.
“The Rhythm of Collaboration” was the theme of the meeting.
“That was a fitting theme because preparing students for the future is not something that happens in one classroom, one department, or even one institution,” Proctor said. “It requires collaboration among faculty, staff, technology professionals, and industry partners who are all committed to student success.” The conversations at the MS-CC Annual Meeting reinforced the importance of working together to ensure students are prepared for an increasingly digital and ever-changing world.
“As technology, artificial intelligence, and workforce expectations continue to evolve, it is important that students have opportunities to apply what they learn beyond the classroom.” Proctor said Grambling State University’s IT Department is committed to working closely with student workers/interns, providing hands-on experiences that will expose them to real-world technology operations, customer service, problem-solving, and teamwork.
“These opportunities will help students develop the adaptability, communication skills, and professional confidence needed to succeed in today’s workforce and navigate the changes that will continue to shape the future of work,” Proctor said.
On June 3, Ferguson joined IBM at NY Tech Week 2026 in New York for a discussion on artificial intelligence in higher education. The conversation focused on how institutions can leverage AI to improve the student experience, strengthen operational efficiency, advance workforce readiness, and support digital transformation across campus environments.
Together, the engagements reflect Grambling State’s commitment to aligning innovation, learning, and student success with the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce landscape.
“I was excited to participate in Tech Week with IBM, focused on AI and the future of higher education,” Ferguson said. “We talked about the biggest challenges universities face in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape from AI adoption and workforce disruption to student engagement and career readiness.”
Ferguson said a major focus of the conversation concerned how universities can better bridge the gap between education and employment by creating stronger relationships with industry partners, embedding digital and workforce-ready skills into the student journey, and connecting students to real-world opportunities before graduation.
“I was also excited to learn from other educators and higher education leaders, bring back new ideas and best practices, and help Grambling State continue expanding AI literacy efforts and connecting our students to the workforce,” Ferguson said. “My goal is to help more students and employees earn digital credentials, strengthen workforce-ready skillsets, close the AI literacy gap across campus, and improve our student experience.”
As artificial intelligence continues to shape higher education and the workforce, Grambling State University remains focused on preparing students with the skills, experiences, and support needed to thrive in a changing digital economy.
