Technology Summit Leaders Bring Ideas of Innovative Change to MS

Preparation for inevitable change was the recurring theme as representatives from computer, telecommunications, Internet and cybersecurity industries spoke Wednesday, Aug. 28 at the University of Mississippi’s fourth annual Technology Summit.

Moderator Mark Jeffries (left) poses questions on technology and the workforce of tomorrow during the third panel discussion at the 2019 UM Tech Summit at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services.

Presenters and panelists addressed such topics as workforce diversity, expansion of rural broadband and technology applications during the event in the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts.

During opening remarks, UM Interim Chancellor Larry Sparks urged participants to work together to create a healthier, happier, more prosperous and more advanced Mississippi,

“Our primary mission is to serve young people through higher education, and we know we can do this best as an institution that collaborates with other parts of our economy and our society,” he said. “We’re eager to capitalize on our strengths through partnerships, and we want to offer our contributions as well.”

U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), who co-hosted and participated in all the previous summits, was this year’s guest of honor. Wicker was instrumental in launching the first Tech Summit in 2016.

“We have some of the brightest minds on the face of the earth here,” said Wicker, who chairs the Communications, Technology, Innovation and Internet subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee, among other assignments. “Technology and connectivity are shaping the future course of our planet. That’s what we’re all about here today.”

David L. Cohen, senior executive vice president and chief diversity officer for Comcast Corp., delivered the keynote address. He repeatedly emphasized the need for the United States to be ready for global changes driven by technological developments.

“Change is not just happening; it’s happening at an accelerated pace,” Cohen said. “As waves of change gain strength, they can either drown us or they can propel us forward. If we don’t embrace change, we’re going to fall behind.”

Citing Comcast’s $500 million investment in the broadband infrastructure of Mississippi since 2011, Cohen said the company doesn’t just react to the future; it creates it.

“Connectivity is key in breaking down the disparities between urban and rural America,” he said. “We look forward to the day when Mississippians in every sector of the state has access to broadband, but we must also make sure that they adapt to it and use it, as well.”

Ajit Pai, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, was the guest government speaker. He credited Wicker and the late U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran with laying the foundation for bridging the digital divide.

“As chairman, I’m helping the FCC build upon what they established,” Pai said. “The FCC is making progress in terms of expanding the wireless infrastructure. We’re committed to making sure that the benefits of this digital revolution are available to every single American.”

During the day, three separate panel discussions featuring industry professionals and tech entrepreneurs explored the impact of 5G, 10G and beyond; technology and society; and technology and the workforce of tomorrow.

Panelists included Jim Assey of the Internet and Television Association, Mayo Flynt of AT&T Mississippi, Bill Cook of Cook Infrastructure Consulting, John Godfrey of Samsung, Kevin Martin of Facebook, Milo Medin of Google Wireless, Brian Xu of LinkedIn, Kagan Coughin of Base Camp Coding Academy, Jordan Noone of Relativity Space, Dick Scruggs of 2nd Chance MS Inc., Laurie Smith of the State Workforce Investment Board and Alan Sudduth of Chevron.

Three Ole Miss students gave three-minute talks about their own experiences with technology. Anna Katherine Burress and Hannah Newbold shared “Catalyzing Entrepreneurship in Mississippi through Virtual Reality.” Olivia Lanum discussed her extracurricular leadership and professional experience. Gunner Rhoden and Silvio Valladao spoke on the physiological responses to Esports.

In a closing fireside chat, Jim Barksdale and Andy Lack concluded the event affirming the theme of change that had echoed throughout the summit proceedings.

“People who think that they can stand in the way of change are fooling themselves,” said Barksdale, a UM alumnus, former CEO of Netscape and retired executive vice president and COO of FedEx. “I’ve found that it’s always better to accept it than to try to reject it.”

Lack said change brings both extraordinary opportunities and huge challenges.

“Once you get into the culture of a change, you’re on the right side of it,” he said. “Change is good.”

The summit, which can be viewed on the university’s YouTube channel, was hosted and moderated by Mark Jeffries, author, speaker and former Merrill Lynch stockbroker.

By Edwin B. Smith, UM Communications