AddRan College of Liberal Arts is working to enhance leadership skills before students even enter college. The college hosted the third annual Level Up Leadership Summit, which, this year, focused on the timely topic of artificial intelligence with the event titled Emerging Global Technologies: Big Data, AI and ChatGPT.

Keynote speaker Angela Mack Ph.D. ’23 discussed her award-winning dissertation “Black Storytelling in Southside Funky Town, Texas: From the 76104 Zip Code to the Life and Legacy Work of Atatiana Carr-Jefferson as a Mattering of Black Life.” The multimedia project incorporated digital technology.

In addition to hearing from faculty and staff, high schoolers had the opportunity to interact with current TCU students and TCU  alumni. The student IMPACT sessions centered on the broad themes of Boosting your Brand and Knowledge of AI and Engaging AI responsibly.

“The Arlington Chapter's Level Up Leadership Summit is a testament to the power of intentional programming that equips our youth with the tools to lead, serve and inspire,” said LaShanda Reed-Larry, South Central Regional Director of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. who partnered for the event. “The South Central Region of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., is committed to fostering dynamic leaders, and this summit exemplifies our vision of preparing the next generation to rise to any occasion with confidence and excellence. TCU’s involvement highlights the importance of collaboration in creating impactful opportunities for our children and communities.”

The summit not only enhanced leadership skills but also enhanced local high school student’s college and career awareness. Specifically, it provided a glimpse into what students would learn from top-notch scholars at TCU, explained Sonja Watson, dean of AddRan College of Liberal Arts. It also supports one of TCU’s strategic plan pillars centered on community engagement, she said.