Southeastern faculty members attend statewide AI Symposium for Oklahoma educators

DURANT, Okla. - Several faculty members from Southeastern Oklahoma State University recently attended the 2026 AI Symposium for Oklahoma Educators, representing the university in statewide discussions on the future of artificial intelligence in teaching, learning and institutional innovation.

The symposium was held June 8-10 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in Catoosa, brought together educators, faculty members, administrators, and decision-makers from across Oklahoma. The event focused on the practical, ethical, and strategic integration of AI across K-12, higher education, CareerTech, and related workforce settings.

During the symposium, Southeastern representatives explored emerging AI policies for higher education, learned about cutting-edge AI tools and services for education, and met with vendors and partners offering AI-related platforms, resources, and instructional technologies. The event also provided opportunities for attendees to participate in workshops, breakout discussions, tool demonstrations, and collaborative planning sessions.

Southeastern faculty attended in connection with the university's role as a grant recipient through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) Innovations with AI Program. As part of the symposium, Dr. Eric Kennedy also served as a panelist during the AI Innovation Grant Recipients Panel, where the university's AI initiatives, progress, and updates were shared with participants from across the state.

For Southeastern, participation in the symposium reflects an ongoing commitment to preparing students, faculty, and staff for the opportunities and challenges created by artificial intelligence. The ideas and connections developed at the event may support future conversations about responsible AI use, classroom innovation, policy development, and institutional readiness.

The symposium was convened by the Oklahoma Education Commission and was designed to help Oklahoma educators and institutions move from AI awareness to practical implementation.

Cutline: From left, Dr. Eric Kennedy, Dr. Aaron Adair, Dr. Kalyn McAlester, Dr. Katheryn Shannon, and Dr. Arthur Tran represented Southeastern at the 2026 AI Symposium for Oklahoma Educators.

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