Campus News

Calhoun Community College’s Workforce Solutions division is inviting community members to attend a free AI Essentials workshop designed to help participants better understand and apply artificial intelligence in their everyday lives.

According to Jamie Glover, Calhoun’s Director of Workforce Solutions, this one-hour workshop is designed for everyday people. No technical background is required, and participants do not need to be familiar with technical terminology or concepts. The workshop is designed to be practical and immediately useful and, best of all, is free and open to the public.

“This workshop will help individuals incorporate AI into their daily activities, simplifying tasks that would have previously required much more time and effort,” said Glover.

The workshop will be led by Ken Hayes, CEO of Infra Intellect AI Group. Hayes is a nationally recognized speaker with more than 37 years of experience in communications, software development, information technology, utility operations, and artificial intelligence. He speaks regularly across the country, helping business leaders, educators, and professionals understand not only what AI is, but also how to use it effectively.

Hayes has held senior leadership roles at Decatur Utilities, Harris Computer Systems, and Core & Main’s National Smart Utility Group. He has also supported NASA’s Space Shuttle Projects Office at Redstone Arsenal and has spent decades helping organizations use technology to solve real-world challenges. Through Infra Intellect AI Group, he now works with businesses and communities to move beyond the hype and achieve meaningful results with artificial intelligence.

During the workshop, participants will gain a clear understanding of artificial intelligence and learn to separate fact from fiction by addressing common misconceptions about AI. The session will explore real-world examples of how AI is already being used in everyday life and the workplace while introducing emerging technologies such as chatbots, AI agents, and agentic AI in easy-to-understand terms. Attendees will also learn how AI is transforming industries, education, creativity, and communities.

The workshop is relevant for business leaders, employees, educators, students, and community members who want to better understand AI’s growing role in society. Participants will also have the opportunity to provide feedback that will help Calhoun shape future AI training and educational opportunities.

Attendees are encouraged to remain after each session for a live question-and-answer session with Hayes.

The workshop will be offered in two sessions and will take place in the Lecture Hall of the Advanced Technology Building on Calhoun’s Decatur Campus, located at 6250 Highway 31 North in Tanner, Alabama.

• Session 1 – Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Session 2 – Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

To register for the workshop, contact Jamie Glover, Director of Workforce Solutions, at 256-306-2923 or jamie.glover@calhoun.edu. To learn more about Calhoun Workforce Solutions and its workforce training programs for individuals and businesses, visit www.calhoun.edu/CWS.