The Artificial Intelligence Legislative Task Force, chaired by State Senator Bart Williams of Starkville and State Representative Jill Ford of Madison, met Wednesday October 15 at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Harrison County Campus to learn how the college and the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) are preparing Mississippi’s workforce, economy, and education system for an AI-powered future.

MGCCC President Dr. Mary S. Graham welcomed Task Force members, highlighting MGCCC’s local and statewide leadership in workforce development and its commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into every level of learning.

“As a community college, our mission is to ensure Mississippi’s people and industries are ready for tomorrow’s opportunities,” said Dr. Graham. “Through innovation, partnerships, and access, MGCCC is giving every student the skills to thrive in an AI-driven world.”

Dr. Kollin Napier, Director of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) and member of the AI Legislative Task Force, provided an update on the network’s progress and short-term goals, including the establishment of an AI Hub on the Gulf Coast, new high-performance computing resources, and the continued delivery of free AI resources developed in partnership with Intel, AWS, and NVIDIA. He also discussed MGCCC’s AI and Data Technology program, which serves as the cornerstone for developing AI talent across the Gulf Coast. Napier highlighted pathways for all learners, including credit and workforce training options that allow students, educators, and professionals to gain practical AI and data skills at their own pace.

“MGCCC serves as a key hub in Mississippi’s AI transformation,” said Napier. “Our partnerships are building the infrastructure and talent pipeline needed to make Mississippi a national model for accessible and practical AI education.”

Dr. Jonathan Woodward, MGCCC Vice President of Teaching and Learning and Community Campus, shared the college’s reimagined General Education Core, which embeds AI literacy across disciplines so that every MGCCC student graduates with a foundational understanding of how AI impacts their field. He also discussed the college’s Defense Industry Training Accelerated Courses (DITAC) and regional AI Innovation Hubs, which align education with workforce needs across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and tourism.

“Artificial intelligence is a workforce skill and a professional competency,” said Woodward. “Our goal is to ensure every graduate, from welding and nursing to business and education, can understand and apply AI responsibly in their profession.”

Task Force members toured the Harrison County Campus, visiting the new STEM Building and advanced training labs. They engaged with faculty in programs such as Information Technology, Automotive Technology, and Virtual Reality, gaining a firsthand look at how MGCCC is integrating emerging technologies into hands-on learning environments that prepare students for high-demand careers.

The AI Legislative Task Force continues to evaluate opportunities for legislation that supports responsible and forward-looking AI adoption across Mississippi. MGCCC’s leadership in AI education and workforce development stands as a model for how institutions can connect innovation, policy, and community impact.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is proud to serve as a statewide leader in AI readiness and workforce innovation. Learn more about the programs offered at MGCCC at https://mgccc.edu or learn more about MAIN at https://mainms.org/.