AI Now and Its Future Explored at PIP Breakfast
Published 12:05 am Sunday, November 24, 2024
SALISBURY — The intriguing world of artificial intelligence took center stage during the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce’s Power in Partnership Breakfast on November 21, featuring Dr. Zack Hubbard, the chief information officer at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, as the esteemed speaker.
As the event sponsor, RCCC played a pivotal role, with Dr. Carol S. Spalding, the college president, extending a warm welcome to the attendees, highlighting the significance of collaboration among multiple partners present.
Dr. Spalding proudly noted that the college has been a cornerstone in the community for an impressive 63 years, while sharing exciting news about ongoing campus expansion plans, emphasizing that RCCC stands as the “eighth largest community college” in the region.
A brief yet engaging video showcased various initiatives and advancements at the college, including the invitation for tours of the expanding campus facilities.
Following this, Dr. Spalding introduced Hubbard, underscoring his extensive 14-year journey in higher education, during which he has worn many hats — from faculty member to program chair, and eventually dean of information technology. Since January, he has taken on the critical role of CIO.
His expertise in cybersecurity resonated with the audience, as Dr. Spalding revealed that Hubbard had previously authored the college’s first course on artificial intelligence before stepping into his current position.
In his presentation, Hubbard expressed a keen interest in discussing AI, offering insights into both current realities and potential future developments in the field.
He highlighted AI’s pervasive influence, noting that it “changes lives, whether we realize it or not,” before delving into a PowerPoint presentation that illustrated both common and emerging examples of AI technology.
Some of the familiar AI tools included smart assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant; social media algorithms recommending friends on platforms like Facebook; personalized shopping suggestions; and the rise of chatbots in customer service.
Looking ahead, he shared his vision for future applications of AI, referencing self-driving cars, AI-driven robotics, healthcare innovations, advancements in finance, and enhancements in augmented and virtual reality capabilities.
Hubbard took the time to clarify essential AI concepts, including definitions of artificial intelligence, machine learning, large language models, and generative AI, which he described as “capable of making something, generating something, text, images, video.” This particular aspect prompted a discussion about societal implications and the potential impacts on various job sectors.
He outlined several advantages of AI, including improved efficiency and the possibility of new job creation, alongside addressing significant concerns such as privacy issues. He emphasized the critical need to safeguard personal information amid the growth of AI technologies.
In conclusion, Hubbard shed light on RCCC’s proactive stance regarding AI, mentioning a strategic partnership with Dell and Intel as part of their AI incubator program. This collaboration provides the college access to valuable training resources for AI courses and other areas within computer science, including crucial support for their cybersecurity initiatives.
As the presentation wrapped up, attendees were encouraged to engage in a question-and-answer session, providing an opportunity for deeper dialogue. Ultimately, Elaine Spalding, president of the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Hubbard and all attendees for their participation.
What are the key ways in which AI is currently transforming everyday life, according to Dr. Zack Hubbard?
**Interview with Dr. Zack Hubbard on AI’s Impact and Future**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Dr. Hubbard! Thank you for joining us today after your insightful presentation at the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce’s Power in Partnership Breakfast.
**Dr. Hubbard:** Good morning! Thank you for having me; it’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** You emphasized during your talk that AI is profoundly influencing our lives—can you elaborate on how you see this change currently manifesting?
**Dr. Hubbard:** Absolutely. AI is embedded in many aspects of our daily lives, often without us being fully aware. For instance, voice-activated assistants like Alexa and Siri have become commonplace, helping users manage everything from scheduling to smart home controls. Beyond convenience, AI also plays a critical role in industries ranging from healthcare—where it assists with patient diagnosis—to finance, where it helps in fraud detection.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! You talked about both current realities and the potential future developments in AI. What do you think we can expect in the next few years?
**Dr. Hubbard:** Looking ahead, I believe we will see a significant acceleration in the sophistication of AI technologies. According to recent analyses, AI will continue to advance in areas such as natural language processing, where machines will better understand and respond to human emotions and intentions. We may also see enhanced ethical frameworks being developed to address challenges related to privacy and bias in AI systems[[1](https://www.techtarget.com/searchEnterpriseAI/tip/The-future-of-AI-What-to-expect-in-the-next-5-years)].
**Interviewer:** Interesting! You also touched on your background in cybersecurity and its relevance to AI. How do you think cybersecurity and AI are interconnected?
**Dr. Hubbard:** Cybersecurity is increasingly intertwined with AI, as AI tools are essential in identifying and responding to threats in real-time. Conversely, we also face challenges because malicious actors can use AI to develop more sophisticated attacks. This duality means that enhancing cybersecurity measures with AI while also preparing for AI-driven threats is critical for organizations moving forward.
**Interviewer:** That brings us to a crucial point about AI ethics and security. How do you see educational institutions like Rowan-Cabarrus Community College adapting to these changes?
**Dr. Hubbard:** As technology evolves, so must our educational approaches. At RCCC, we’re focusing on integrating AI into our curriculum, preparing students not just to use AI tools but to understand the underlying ethics and potential implications. We believe that equipping the next generation with these insights is paramount to responsible innovation and implementation of AI technology.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Hubbard. Before we conclude, what message would you like to leave our audience regarding the future of AI?
**Dr. Hubbard:** I encourage everyone to embrace the technological changes that AI brings while also advocating for responsible development and usage. Awareness and education are key to harnessing AI’s potential for good while mitigating its risks.
**Interviewer:** Wise words! Thank you again for your time, and we look forward to seeing how AI continues to evolve in our community and beyond.
**Dr. Hubbard:** Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure discussing these important topics!