Cameron University's 13th academic festival to focus on impact of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence. Some people see it as a blessing … others see it as a curse.

Many people find AI a useful tool, relying on it to analyze data, write resumes and map vacation routes. Just as many believe that it kills creativity, steals jobs from human workers, and might someday take over the world. But no one fully knows the impact AI could have on our future.

The implications of this new technology will be the focus of "Being Human in the Age of AI," Cameron University's 13th academic festival that will be presented during the 2026-2027 academic year.

Cameron's academic festival series began in 1991 and examined the Renaissance and impact of Columbus' discovery of America. The festival proved so popular that it quickly spun off into a regular event held every three years. Each one explores an academic theme or societal issue through special events and campus activities.

While there is no specific model for the festivals, they typically include lectures, exhibits, conferences, symposia, workshops, concerts, exhibits and theatrical productions.

Previous festivals have covered a wide range of themes, ranging from globalization, the importance of health, and what to expect at the dawn of the 21st century, to the complexities of the Middle East, sustainability, and how American identities have changed in recent years.

Festivals have turned out to be great opportunities to introduce southwest Oklahoma to famous speakers, or those on the cusp of fame. Among past speakers are professor Cornel West, media personalities James Burke, Al Roker, Michele Norris and Fareed Zakaria; Nobel Prize recipients Oscar Arias and Paul Krugman; retired generals Stanley McChrystal and Jack Keane; actor and activist Ed Begley; former U.S. Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders; author George Will; former U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel; and celebrity chef Rick Bayless.

A committee made up of CU faculty and staff is currently working to develop the lineup of speakers for the upcoming festival. Chaired by Dr. Sarah Janda, committee members include faculty Dr. Chris Keller, Dr. Christian Morren, Joe Williams and Dana Winters, along with CU-Duncan director Kyle Jarman and web manager Rhonda Young.

As speakers are secured and other details for Festival XIII are developed, they will be posted on a special page of the Cameron website. To stay updated on events, please visit https://www.cameron.edu/public-affairs/academic-festivals/festival-xiii.

The McCasland Foundation of Duncan is the primary sponsor of CU's academic festival series. Over the years, financial support has also come from the McCasland/Amquest Bank Endowed Chair, the Cameron University Foundation and the CU Lectures and Concerts Series.

All festival events are open to the public.

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