WSSU Inaugural AI Summit Focuses on 'Agentic AI' and HBCU Leadership

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) convened its first AI Summit on September 10, 2026, at the Benton Convention Center to address the integration of artificial intelligence in education and professional sectors. The event marks a strategic effort to ensure students and faculty are equipped for a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Under the theme "Rising with Intelligence: Advancing Innovation and Human Possibility," the summit gathered students, faculty, and industry experts. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Siobahn Day Grady, the founding director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research at North Carolina Central University—the first dedicated AI institute at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). During her presentation, Dr. Grady urged the community to be "present and ready for the AI-enabled future," noting that this transition is already underway.

The Shift to Agentic AI

A central pillar of the summit was the distinction between current generative tools and the next wave of technology. Dr. Grady defined "Agentic AI" as systems capable of planning, deciding, and taking autonomous actions to achieve a specific goal, moving beyond the simple question-and-answer format of standard generative AI. This evolution suggests a shift from AI as a passive assistant to AI as an active agent in the workforce.

Strategic Alignment and Academic Integrity

The summit is a direct extension of WSSU's "We Are Rising" strategic plan, which prioritizes student success and global competitiveness. This initiative comes as higher education institutions move past the initial debate over whether students should use AI, shifting instead toward how to thoughtfully incorporate these tools into instruction. The goal is to leverage AI for academic advancement while maintaining strict standards of academic integrity.

The Role of HBCUs in Tech Equity

The event underscored the critical necessity for HBCUs to lead in the AI space to prevent marginalized communities from becoming mere consumers of technology. By fostering active participation in the development and implementation of AI, these institutions aim to ensure their graduates are not left behind in the professional market. Dr. Jack S. Monell emphasized this urgency, stating that students must have the "fundamental training and competitiveness to be able to compete globally."

Future Outlook

As WSSU continues to integrate these findings into its curriculum, the focus remains on the transition from theoretical AI use to practical, agentic application. The university's commitment to this path suggests a broader trend among HBCUs to secure a seat at the table where the ethical and technical frameworks of future AI are being written. By centering these discussions within the HBCU ecosystem, WSSU aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that the benefits of autonomous intelligence are distributed equitably across all demographics.