StraightTalk 2026 | The AI Reckoning: A Future We Can't Ignore

September 8, 15, 22 | 6:30-7:45 p.m. | McAlister Auditorium

Artificial intelligence is reshaping American life. It influences cost of living, what information we trust, how decisions are made, and how we work, learn, and interact.

Each session of StraightTalk 2026 will explore both the concerns and the possibilities of AI in everyday life. Designed for students, educators, workers, community leaders, and engaged citizens, the series centers shared American values - opportunity, accountability, and human dignity - and affirms the power of people to shape the tools impacting our lives.

Session I: Ethics & Power
Session II: Democracy & Trust
Session III: Work & Education

See more details below.

$15 per individual session; $35 for the series. OLLI members: $25 for the series. Registration required.

OLLI members, please direct any questions to [email protected].

Free for Furman students, staff, and faculty. Registration NOT required.

Session 1 (September 8): Ethics & Power

AI is shaping everyday life in ways many people don’t see, from access to resources and economic opportunities to environmental and social impacts. This session explores how AI is changing our communities and futures, who benefits, who may be left behind, and how citizens can help shape AI for the public good.

Speakers:

• Renee Cummings, AI ethicist and professor of practice in Data Science
• Sneha Revanur, founder and president of AI advocacy nonprofit, Encode AI
• Andrew Predmore, executive director of The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman

Session 2 (September 15): Democracy & Trust

AI is changing how information spreads, how people form opinions, and who citizens trust. This bipartisan conversation examines AI’s impact on misinformation, elections, and civic responsibility--and what it will take to protect trust and democratic norms in an AI-driven world.

Speakers:

• Jaime Harrison, Former Chair, Democratic National Committee and political strategist
• Matt Moore, Former Chair, S.C. Republican Party and political strategist

Session 3 (September 22): Work & Education

As machines do more, what role will humans play? This session explores how AI is reshaping jobs, workplaces, and career pathways, and how education and work must evolve to support opportunity, meaningful work, and human flourishing.

Speakers:

• Jim VandeHei, co-founder and CEO, Axios
• Beth Pontari, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Furman University
• Carlos Phillips, President and CEO, Greenville Chamber of Commerce

Series Moderator: Mary Sturgill, Media Specialist/Instructor at Furman University