HRD Symposium at Bowie State University Explores AI Innovation

AI's Impact on Learning and Development in Human Resources Discussed

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Donell Pettus, donell.pettus3@gmail.com, 240-817-7870

(BOWIE, Md.) – The impact of artificial intelligence on revolutionizing talent acquisition, employee engagement, learning and workforce management was the focus of Bowie State’s Human Resources Development Annual Symposium and Expo to help guide students and alumni on how to best adopt the technology.

The event, themed “Honoring Legacy, Talent Development and Strategic Partnerships,” emphasized AI’s significant role in creating a dynamic and adaptable workforce, fostering engagement and improving learning practices. 

“As Human Resource practitioners, we need to embrace artificial intelligence,” said Dr. Joi Brown, a human resources director with the U.S. Department of Transportation and a 2006 graduate of Bowie State’s Human Resources Development program. “AI helps me to streamline many tasks, including implementing training and development, onboarding new employees, repetitive tasks and even engaging with employees. AI improves processes, saves time and makes everything operate more efficiently.” 

According to a recent Gartner Research Report, AI is poised to change the future of HR forever, disrupting established rules of work, talent, roles and skills. Many HR leaders feel a sense of urgency about moving forward with AI in the HR function, a view shared by Bowie State’s coordinator of the HRD program. 

"The workplace has been changing coming out of the pandemic, and there's a need to automate many of the HR processes, including workforce, training and organizational development," said Dr. Amina Ayodeji-Ogundiran. "Our students must understand how work is being revolutionized with AI now. We're encourage all HRD program students to use AI to enhance their research skills and as an idea generator."

In addition to discussions on the pros and cons of AI permeating every aspect of society, attendees benefited from networking sessions with HR, business and project management experts, allowing students and professionals to exchange insights, seek career advice and explore potential job opportunities. 

“HRD is about developing talent, and I believe AI will go a long way in helping in the career development process,” said Davina Sanya-Alogba, an HRD graduate student scheduled to graduate in May 2025. “Employee development programs can be customized or continuously modified based on new courses, training opportunities, degrees or job responsibilities. I believe the applications of AI in HRD are limitless."

For over 20 years, BSU’s HRD program has gathered HR professionals, students, and alumni at Bowie State to explore emerging trends and foster professional development within the HR field.

###

About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.