Dr. Kate Smith: Workforce Futures, AI, and the Next Generation of Learning

Episode Description In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Kate Smith, we turn our focus to the future of learning, workforce development, and artificial intelligence in higher education. Kate shares how Rio Salado College is partnering with national employers, emerging industries, and workforce organizations to create flexible, skills-based pathways for learners across the country. We explore partnerships with Guild Education, Walgreens, and a 3D concrete-printing company reshaping construction careers. The conversation then dives deeply into AI literacy, ethics, and the responsibility of colleges to prepare learners for an AI-accelerated world—while preserving critical thinking, questioning, and human judgment. This episode offers a hopeful, pragmatic vision of lifelong learning designed around access, adaptability, and real-world relevance. Key Topics / Show Notes Rio Salado’s national workforce partnerships Working with Guild Education and employer-driven program design Pharmacy, nursing, and career-start pathways 3D-printed housing and future construction careers Preparing learners for emerging industries Serving adult learners, incarcerated learners, and ESL students On-ramps, off-ramps, and stackable credentials Microcredentials and durable skills AI literacy as a core educational responsibility Ethical and responsible use of AI in learning Redesigning teaching and assessment in the age of AI The future of digital learning environments Reducing friction and barriers to postsecondary access How leaders can engage more learners more effectively Reflection Question What can you do right now to embed AI literacy and ethical use into your learners’ pathways?