Southeast Missouri State University’s Harrison College of Business and Computing (HCBC) will host a panel discussion on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workforce on Feb. 25 at 5:30 p.m. in the Dempster Atrium. HCBC invited professionals across industries to share how AI is reshaping business operations and redefining career readiness for today’s students.
“A fundamental goal of the Harrison College of Business and Computing is to ensure our students are staying informed as the world of business continues to innovate,” said Kevin Dickson, professor and interim dean of HCBC. “We want to challenge the paradigm on how AI is being used in the classroom and workforce. We believe there is no better way than connecting with professionals and hearing what they have to say about using AI in their careers.”
The discussion will examine how AI is transforming workplace expectations and influencing how universities prepare graduates for an increasingly technology-driven economy. By bringing together professionals who actively use AI in their fields, HCBC provides practical insight into how the technology operates today and what it means for students entering the job market.
The panel will feature six experts representing some of the world’s biggest industries and their various experiences:
- Nathan Littlepage, founder of Quantitative Network Solutions LLC
- Lesa Peterman, director of talent and team development at Focal Pointe
- Tess Rainey, assistant director of communications at SEMO
- Andrew Vukovich, dispute resolution manager at Mastercard
- Angela Zieres, manager of operational excellence at Boeing
- Alex Zisser, enterprise executive at Google Cloud
The AI panel comes as part of HCBC’s 2025–2026 strategic priorities. The college is committed to equipping faculty and staff with the knowledge and training necessary to thoughtfully incorporate AI into the classroom. By investing in professional development and promoting responsible use of AI tools in coursework, HCBC aims to ensure students graduate with hands-on experience and a clear understanding of how to apply AI effectively in professional settings.
“We’re trying to change the perception of AI to be a tool to be mastered not avoided,” said Dickson. “By integrating AI into course work, we hope to position students ahead of the curve and prepare graduates for an AI-driven workforce.”
Organizers hope attendees leave with a clearer understanding of how AI is already embedded in professional environments and with practical ideas for how it can be applied in their own academic or workplace settings. By hearing directly from professionals adapting in real time, participants can better anticipate the skills and mindset required in a rapidly evolving workforce.
Join the conversation and learn how SEMO is adapting to emerging technologies while preparing students to lead in an AI-driven workforce. The discussion is free and open to the public.
Visit semo.edu/business-computing to join a college fearlessly leading the conversation on AI.