AI Now and Future Explored at Rowan County Chamber Breakfast
Published 12:05 am Sunday, November 24, 2024
Salisbury, NC – The transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) was the focal point at the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce’s recent Power in Partnership Breakfast held on November 21. Sponsored by Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC), the event featured Dr. Zack Hubbard, the college’s Chief Information Officer and an esteemed educator with over fourteen years of experience in higher education.
In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of RCCC, emphasized the college’s legacy and its ongoing expansion within the community. She noted RCCC’s commendable standing as the eighth largest community college in North Carolina and highlighted its mission to foster innovation and educational partnerships.
Dr. Hubbard captivated attendees with insights on the current landscape and future trajectories of AI. He reminded the audience that AI is already woven into the fabric of daily life, from smart assistants like Alexa and Siri to sophisticated algorithms that enhance social media interactions and shopping experiences.
“We are living in an era where AI changes lives—whether we realize it or not,” said Hubbard. His presentation provided a clear outline of both existing technologies and emerging possibilities, such as self-driving vehicles and AI-enhanced healthcare. The implications of AI, he noted, stretch well beyond technological advancements; they encompass societal transformations that resonate with certain Biblical principles of stewardship and discernment.
For instance, manifestations of AI such as generative technology can evoke thoughts on the power of creation—an aspect that mirrors humanity’s role as stewards of creation as depicted in Genesis 1:26, where we are called to have dominion over the earth. As we embrace these innovations, it is essential to reflect on how they align with our responsibility to protect and nurture the world around us.
In his discussions, Hubbard also underscored the duality of AI’s impact—its potential for efficiency and job creation, which echoes the Christian value of providing for one another, juxtaposed with challenges like privacy concerns. He urged attendees to consider their digital footprints carefully, a principle that resonates with the call for integrity and wisdom in decision-making found in Proverbs 4:7: “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
By the end of the breakfast, Hubbard emphasized the proactive steps RCCC is taking in partnership with tech giants like Dell and Intel through their AI incubator program. This initiative seeks to equip students with the necessary skills to navigate an AI-driven job market while addressing cybersecurity threats, exemplifying a communal approach to societal challenges—something rooted deeply in the call to love and support one another.
As attendees engaged in a Q&A session, Chamber President Elaine Spalding expressed gratitude to Hubbard for illuminating the complex world of AI.
In conclusion, this event not only heightened awareness about AI’s role in our lives but also invited attendees to reflect on how embracing technology can be harmonized with spiritual principles of stewardship and community.
As we survey the horizon of technological progress, let’s remember the words of Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
In our quest to adapt to an AI-integrated world, let us choose to reflect on the positive and noble, ensuring that our advancements contribute to the greater good and uphold the values we hold dear.
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