DOTHAN, AL — The ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the Wiregrass region was the central focus of the second annual Terry and Barbara Everett Symposium on Emerging Technologies, held in September at the Troy University Dothan Campus. More than 80 representatives from local business industries, the military, law enforcement, and higher education registered for the event, which explored developments in AI, cybersecurity, and related technologies.
The symposium delved into how these emerging technologies are transforming decision-making, automation, public communication, cybersecurity operations, and organizational workflows. Attendees also addressed the ethical, legal, operational, and security risks associated with their adoption, according to information from Troy University.
Organized by Dr. Ed Fulford, director of the Center for Applied Innovation and Cybersecurity at TROY, this year’s symposium specifically concentrated on the ethical use of agentic and generative AI. Dr. Fulford stated that the event was intentionally "content-rich" to gather diverse experts who could address a range of subjects, all focused on the ethical expansion of generative AI in business, the public sector, education, and daily life. He highlighted the exploration of how these technologies are changing the world and how life may continue to evolve as a result.
The symposium was made possible by a grant from the late Wiregrass congressman Terry Everett and his wife, Barbara. Barbara Everett expressed the symposium's importance, noting that her husband, who retired from Congress in 2009, would have been pleased. She mentioned that Terry Everett, who served as an intelligence analyst in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1959 and later on the Armed Services Committee and Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, foresaw these technological changes and was passionate about preparing the community. She emphasized the need to manage these technologies and build integrity into their use as they become more extensive.
Speakers and topics included Eddie Sorrells, CEO of DSI Security Services and a TROY alum, who discussed "The 2026 AI Regulatory and Legal Landscape: Building Public Trust." Other presentations covered areas such as how much AI should influence decisions, the formative years of AI, AI's role in reshaping cybersecurity and homeland defense, AI ethics from a cybersecurity and governance perspective, and preserving human judgment in an AI-assisted world. Dr. Jay Claiborne, Anna Grace Du Noyer, Klint Walker, Dr. Edward Fulford, and Aaron Wright were among the presenters.
Eddie Sorrells described discussing AI with his peers and the TROY students in attendance as one of the most engaging aspects. He acknowledged that challenges students face today differ from those he encountered, but praised Troy University for creating opportunities like the symposium to explore these issues. Sorrells stressed the importance for individuals and businesses to establish ethical safeguards proactively, rather than "relying solely on government agencies or regulators."
Adam Claar, the AI technical lead in the State of Alabama’s Office of Information Technology, found the sessions well-informed and deeper than anticipated. He was particularly encouraged by the involvement of TROY students, noting that several computer science club members approached him to discuss potential collaborations and sharing life experiences. This symposium marks the second event sponsored by the grant from the Everetts, aimed at preparing the Wiregrass for future technological advancements.
