Last Friday, the Georgia Cyber Center at Augusta University welcomed national leaders for an important discussion on the future of artificial intelligence and the American workforce.
The U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce held a field hearing titled “Building an AI-Ready America: How AI Is Creating Opportunities Across America’s Workforce,” bringing members of Congress together with leaders from higher education, industry and agriculture to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming jobs, strengthening industries and preparing the next generation of workers.
The hearing featured welcome remarks from Augusta University President Russell T. Keen and included U.S. Representatives Rick Allen (GA-12), Lucy McBath (GA-06) and Joe Wilson (SC-02).
A National Conversation on Workforce Readiness 
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape nearly every industry, the hearing focused on ensuring America’s workforce is prepared to take advantage of new opportunities while supporting continued innovation.
Throughout the discussion, witnesses shared examples of how AI is already improving productivity, helping businesses remain competitive and creating demand for new skills across sectors including healthcare, manufacturing and agriculture.
The conversation reinforced a growing reality: AI is not replacing the workforce. It is changing the workforce by creating new roles, new responsibilities and new opportunities for education and training.
Augusta University Highlights Higher Education’s Role
Representing Augusta University, Dr. Jeffery Talbert, Chair of the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Health at the Medical College of Georgia and Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar, testified before the committee about the important role higher education plays in preparing students and professionals for the responsible development and implementation of artificial intelligence.
During the hearing, Talbert emphasized that as organizations adopt AI technologies, they are creating demand for entirely new types of positions focused on implementation, governance, regulation and workforce training.
Rather than eliminating jobs, AI is expanding the need for skilled professionals who can help organizations successfully integrate these emerging technologies.
Why the Georgia Cyber Center Matters
Hosting a congressional hearing focused on the future of AI workforce development reflects the Georgia Cyber Center at Augusta University’s role as a destination for conversations that shape technology, education and economic growth.
The Georgia Cyber Center brings together government, academia and private industry to address emerging technologies, strengthen the cybersecurity workforce and prepare professionals for rapidly evolving careers.
As artificial intelligence continues to influence every sector of the economy, collaboration between education, industry and policymakers will be essential to ensuring workers have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
The discussion held in Augusta highlighted the importance of preparing today’s workforce for tomorrow’s opportunities while reinforcing the region’s growing leadership in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and workforce innovation.
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