University Outreach recently brought together faculty, staff, and leadership from across the college for its annual State of Outreach event, a longstanding tradition that celebrates accomplishments, recognizes outstanding contributions, and prepares employees for the future of work.

Held at the NCED Conference Center and Hotel in Norman, the 2026 event centered on the theme, “The Human Edge: Evolving with AI.” The theme challenged participants to consider how artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace while reinforcing the uniquely human skills that remain essential to success.

Developed under the leadership of Dr. Belinda Biscoe, Senior Associate Vice President for University Outreach, the event emphasized a central message: while AI continues to reshape industries and professions, human judgment, creativity, ethical reasoning, communication, and relationships remain the foundation of meaningful and impactful work.

“The human edge will remain paramount to future success,” said Dr. Biscoe. “AI is transforming work, but human skills define impact.”

Outreach professionals across 17 departments were invited to participate in a full day of professional development, recognition, and strategic alignment. The program continued Outreach’s multi-year exploration of artificial intelligence; this year focusing on how people and technology can work together to achieve better outcomes.

Participants heard from university leaders including Dr. André-Denis Wright, Senior Vice President and Provost; Dr. Nishanth Rodrigues, Chief Information Officer; and Dr. Shishir Shah, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer. Together, they shared perspectives on innovation, digital transformation, and the importance of preparing the workforce for a rapidly changing future.

A highlight of the day was a series of interactive workshops designed to strengthen critical workplace skills. Sessions explored topics such as critical thinking, ethical judgment, creative originality, communication, relational intelligence, resilience, and trust-building. Facilitators provided practical tools and strategies that participants could immediately apply in their professional roles.

The event also featured an original video presentation, The Human Edge: Evolving with AI, produced by Dr. Belinda Biscoe and Richard Feinberg. The video examined the growing partnership between human intelligence and artificial intelligence, encouraging participants to view themselves not as passive observers of technological change, but as active contributors helping shape the future. Highlights were shared in the video by national and international experts who are focused on the human edge as we evolve with AI.

In addition to professional development opportunities, the State of Outreach celebrated the people who make the college’s mission possible. Employees were recognized for milestone years of service ranging from five to thirty years, honoring decades of dedication, expertise, and commitment to serving learners and communities across Oklahoma and beyond.

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Awards

The event also highlighted innovation and collaboration through two annual recognition programs.

The 2026 Collaboration Award resulted in a tie, recognizing two exceptional teams whose partnerships produced measurable and transformative outcomes. Natalie Dickson and Jeremy Caudle of E-TEAM were recognized for their work in partnership with the National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth and the Child Study Center. Charlene Shreder and Bryce Riddle of the Southwest Prevention Center-Regional Prevention Initiatives were also honored for their collaborative work with the OU Daily on a highly successful prevention campaign that receives rave reviews.

The AI Innovation Award was presented to Dr. Annie Baghdayan and Darci Forrester of the National Center for Disability Education and Training. Their project demonstrated outstanding creativity and leadership in leveraging artificial intelligence to improve collaboration, accountability, and quality assurance processes. Using AI as an active co-developer partnering with data analytic staff led to the creation and implementation of a successful, secure, production-ready system addressing program needs. The Staff Portal and the BEST/STEP Launchpad, a summer employment program management hub serving 25 camp sites and one mini-camp across 59 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, were the focus of their innovative work.

Beyond the learning sessions and awards, the State of Outreach provided opportunities for colleagues to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships across departments. These interactions continue to foster a culture that values both innovation and community.

As University Outreach looks toward the future, the message of State of Outreach 2026 remains clear: technological advancement and human capability are not competing forces. Rather, they work together to create new possibilities for learning, service, and impact.

The future of work is not defined by artificial intelligence alone; it is defined by the people who guide, interpret, and elevate it.

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Acknowledgements: Thank You!

Event Planning Committee

Dr. Belinda Biscoe, Lisa Pryor, Dr. Nina Barbee, Kelsey Martyn-Farewell, Jeff Boles, Shannon Johansen, Kathy Cozad, Greg Gibson, Richard Feinberg, Debbie Collum, Ramiro Agundiz, Dr. Anthony Natale, LaShonda Williamson-Jennings, Mandy Callahan, Kathie Nicoletti

Emcee

Jeff Boles

Chair, Award Committees: Collaboration and AI Innovation

Dr. Nina Barbee

Collaboration and AI Innovation Award Committees

Ramiro Agundiz, Kristi Charles, Milton Collier, Debbie Collum, Amber Romo, Andrew Rowley, Charlene Shreder, Jovany Trevino

Service Awards Committee

Susan Hosler, Shannon Johansen

Chair, Door Prizes

Kathy Cozad

A/V, Tech, Photography, Graphics, Printing Services

Richard Feinberg

OU Outreach Admin Staff & Support

Dr. Belinda Biscoe, Dr. Nina Barbee, Ramiro Agundiz, Shawn Badgett, Debbie Collum, Richard Feinberg, Greg Gibson, Susan Hosler, Shannon Johansen, Kelsey Martyn-Farewell, Andrew Rowley, Kathy Cozad