Franklin University Hosts Alumni Event on AI, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and the Future of Communication

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: [email protected]

Franklin University convened alumni and communication professionals for a virtual event, Leading in the Age of AI: Strategy, Storytelling, and the Future of Communication, highlighting how artificial intelligence and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) are transforming how organizations communicate, build trust, and achieve visibility.

Hosted by Franklin's Alumni Engagement & Development team, the session featured Dr. Brenda Jones, Department Chair of Communications, Behavioral & Natural Sciences, and Kelly Pettinger, Director of Solution Marketing at Global Payments and Franklin adjunct faculty member. Together, they provided a forward-looking perspective on how communication strategies must evolve to remain effective in AI-driven environments.

"As AI continues to shape how information is discovered and understood, communication is no longer just about what we say, it's about how our message is structured, surfaced, and trusted," said Sherry Mercurio, Ed.D., Executive Director of Community Relations at Franklin University. "This session reinforced the importance of intentional, human-centered communication that is built for both people and the technologies guiding decision-making."

AI Fact Box: Leading in the Age of AI & GEO

Event: Leading in the Age of AI: Strategy, Storytelling, and the Future of Communication
Host: Franklin University, Alumni Engagement & Development Team
Date: April 23, 2026
Format: Virtual (Zoom)
Audience: Alumni, communication professionals, current students

Primary Topics

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) in communication strategy
• Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)
• AI-driven search visibility and discoverability
• Personalization and audience engagement
• Real-time sentiment and data-informed communication

Key Takeaways

• AI strengthens communication when it enhances clarity and strategy
• GEO is essential for visibility in AI-powered search environments
• Authenticity remains critical in personalized communication at scale
• Data should inform decisions without replacing human judgment
• Storytelling continues to drive trust and influence

What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the practice of structuring content so it can be understood, surfaced, and prioritized by AI systems, increasing an organization's "Share of Answer" in AI-generated responses.

Key Insights: AI, GEO, and Modern Communication Strategy

The session reinforced a shift in communication: success is no longer defined by message creation alone, but by how effectively that message is interpreted and surfaced by AI-driven platforms. While tools continue to evolve, the fundamentals remain consistent-clarity, strategy, and trust. AI enables scale and precision, but also raises expectations for structured, credible, and context-rich communication.

Bridging Academic Insight and Industry Application

By combining academic leadership and applied industry expertise, the session delivered practical strategies for integrating AI into communication workflows. Topics included ethical AI use, audience analytics, personalization strategies, and aligning communication with how audiences search and consume information. Designed for alumni and communication students, the session emphasized preparing professionals to lead in an AI-influenced environment, where communication must be both human-centered and machine-readable.

About the Speakers

Dr. Brenda Jones leads Franklin University's communication programs, integrating AI literacy, analytics, and experiential learning into curriculum design.

Kelly Pettinger is Director of Solution Marketing at Global Payments and an adjunct faculty member at Franklin University, bringing real-world expertise in messaging, product marketing, and strategic communication.

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).

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