StraightTalk 2026
The AI Reckoning: A Future We Can't Ignore
Presented by The Riley Institute and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Furman University
Artificial intelligence is reshaping American life. It influences cost of living, what information we trust, how decisions are made, and how we work, learn, and interact. StraightTalk 2026 explored both the concerns and the possibilities of AI in everyday life. The series focused on shared American values—opportunity, accountability, and human dignity—affirming the power of people to shape the tools impacting our lives.
Special thanks to the Ayers Lecture Fund in Furman’s Departments of Philosophy and Religion for its support of the series.
Series Details
- Tuesday, September 8, 6:30 p.m. | Ethics & Power
- Tuesday, September 15, 6:30 p.m. | Democracy & Trust
- Tuesday, September 22, 6:30 p.m. | Work & Education
Session I: Ethics & Power
AI is shaping everyday life in ways many people don’t see—from access to resources and economic opportunities to environmental and social impacts. This session explores how AI is changing our communities and futures, who benefits, who may be left behind, and how citizens can help shape AI for the public good.
Speakers
- Renée Cummings (keynote): artificial intelligence (AI), data, and tech ethicist, and the first Data Activist-in-Residence at the University of Virginia’s School of Data Science
- Andrew Predmore: executive director of The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University
- Sneha Revanur: founder and president of Encode, an advocacy organization fighting to make AI work for the American people
- Mary Sturgill (series moderator): instructor at Furman University; former news anchor and reporter
Session II: Democracy & Trust
AI is changing how information spreads, how people form opinions, and who citizens trust. This bipartisan conversation examines AI’s impact on misinformation, elections, and civic responsibility—and what it will take to protect trust and democratic norms in an AI-driven world.
Speakers
- Jaime Harrison: former Chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2021–2025; political strategist
- Matt Moore: former chair of the South Carolina Republican Party from 2013-2017; political strategist
- Mary Sturgill (series moderator): instructor at Furman University; former news anchor and reporter
Session III: Work & Education
As machines do more, what role will humans play? This session explores how AI is reshaping jobs, workplaces, and career pathways, and how education and work must evolve to support opportunity, meaningful work, and human flourishing.
Speakers
- Jim VandeHei (keynote): co-founder, CEO and chairman of Axios; former co-founder and CEO of Politico
- Carlos Phillips: president and chief executive officer of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce
- Beth Pontari: Furman University’s vice president for academic affairs and provost
- Mary Sturgill (series moderator): instructor at Furman University; former news anchor and reporter
