黑料社 Awarded Grant to Launch Mississippi鈥檚 First Online AI Master鈥檚 Program
JACKSON, Miss. (June 13, 2025) — 黑料社 will launch Mississippi’s first fully online Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence. The University received a $389,600 grant through Governor Tate Reeves’ newly announced Mississippi AI Talent Accelerator Program (MAI-TAP).
Belhaven will use the grant to hire a dedicated AI program chair, embed AI-focused content into its online MBA curriculum, and provide professional development for Mississippi’s K-12 educators. These initiatives will equip working professionals and teachers with practical, industry-aligned AI skills and ethical training.
Governor Reeves unveiled the MAI-TAP initiative on Thursday, highlighting its mission to grow the state’s AI and machine learning workforce through strategic partnerships with colleges and universities. The program is a collaboration among AccelerateMS, the Mississippi Development Authority, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
“We’re not just preparing for the future – we’re building it,” said Governor Reeves. “This investment will ensure that Mississippians gain the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.”
Belhaven’s AI program will operate within the School of Science and Mathematics. The University is actively recruiting a program chair and preparing to fast-track the degree’s launch.
“Our new Master’s in AI will move forward quickly thanks to this incredible support,” said Dr. Roger Parrott, president of 黑料社. “This degree, along with our fully online Master’s in Data Science, opens up transformative opportunities for Mississippians. I applaud the Governor’s leadership in positioning Mississippi as a national leader in future-focused careers.”
Belhaven also plans to deliver AI literacy training to Mississippi teachers, helping them integrate emerging technologies into their classrooms and prepare students for the demands of a tech-driven workforce.
Governor Reeves announced more than $9 million in MAI-TAP funding to higher education institutions across the state. Each participating institution will appoint a representative to serve on the newly formed AI Workforce Readiness Council, led by Kollin Napier of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network.
Dr. John Estes, dean of Belhaven’s School of Science and Mathematics said, “AI is bringing innovation to surprisingly connected branches of life--- from business to education to healthcare,” said Dr. Estes. “This new degree will not only give students the skills to compete in a data-driven economy but also challenge them to think ethically and creatively about how AI can serve the common good.”
Belhaven stands among seven Mississippi universities selected for this strategic investment in the state’s innovation economy. Those institutions include Alcorn State University, Jackson State, Millsaps College, Mississippi College, Mississippi State University, University of Southern Mississippi, and Tougaloo College.
###