Alcorn State University is proud to announce a new collaboration with AWS-Machine Learning University (MLU) Educators Consortium and Transformation Alliance, a nationwide initiative helping college faculty integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into their curriculum.
Through this collaboration, faculty from the Department of Advanced Technologies are receiving access to training, curated curriculum resources, and ongoing support designed to prepare students for careers in the fast-growing field of AI/ML.
“Our collaboration with AWS highlights Alcorn State University’s continued commitment to leading innovation in higher education,” said Dr. Jermiah K. Billa, associate professor and chair, Department of Advanced Technologies at Alcorn State University. “We are excited to introduce these cutting-edge tools to our students to ensure they are well equipped for the future job market. Additionally, this collaboration will equip our students with the critical thinking skills necessary to develop new technologies through artificial intelligence and machine learning.”
Alcorn State University is one of several institutions participating in this effort. The initiative aims to build inclusive AI education pathways, especially at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
“The AWS-MLU Educators Consortium and Transformation Alliance are transformative programs that underscore the vital role of inclusion in driving innovation within artificial intelligence and machine learning. By uniting educators and researchers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities with industry leaders, these cohorts foster invaluable cross-pollination of ideas and accelerated advancement in critical fields. The open dialogue and shared learnings will undoubtedly power groundbreaking new developments that improve lives and society,” said Daryl Hammett, Alcorn State University alumnus and director of Delivery & AI Platforms for Amazon Web Services. “The MLU team deserves praise for championing this important initiative that celebrates the inextricable link between inclusion and progress.”
This project offers hands-on training, open-sourced content that is easily integrated into current curriculum and new courses and programs, and a long-term community of practice. Participating universities will have access to tools and industry-aligned content to develop courses that will prepare students for careers in AI/ML.
“We appreciate the dedication to our faculty and students through this initiative, as well as their commitment to introducing them to new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning by creating opportunities for us to integrate these tools into our curriculum,” said Dr. Tracy M. Cook, president of Alcorn State University. “Collaborations such as these allow us to understand exactly what potential employers expect of our students as they prepare to enter the workforce with the highly sought-after skills needed to transition into successful careers upon graduation.”
To learn more about the Department of Advanced Technologies, visit www.alcorn.edu.