Seminole State creates a forum for conversations shaping our future

What will it take to lead in an age of artificial intelligence? How does seeing Earth from space change our perspective here at home? And where will the next generation of scientific discoveries take us?

Those are not simply academic questions. They are conversations shaping workplaces, communities and the future and Seminole State College of Florida is creating a place for Central Florida to join the conversation.

During the 2026-27 academic year, Seminole State brings nationally recognized explorers, innovators and thought leaders to campus, creating direct access to ideas and experiences that extend well beyond the classroom.

The speakers span disciplines, but the larger purpose is shared: to connect students, faculty and the Central Florida community with people and ideas helping shape our collective future.

“Higher education has an important role in helping communities understand and navigate change, rather than simply responding to it,” said Dr. Georgia Lorenz, president of Seminole State College. “At Seminole State, we are a place where our students, faculty, business leaders and neighbors can engage with important ideas, hear different perspectives and think together about what the future means for our region. Bringing nationally recognized voices to Central Florida is one way we can help lead those conversations.”

From Space: A New Perspective on Our World

Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor recently presented EarthLight World to a sold-out crowd at Seminole State's Emil Buehler Planetarium as part of the College's Speaker Series. Proctor, who served as mission pilot aboard SpaceX's Inspiration4, draws on her experiences as an astronaut, geoscientist, artist and explorer to examine Earth, humanity and our shared future from a perspective few people have experienced firsthand.

In the Age of AI: Why Being Human Matters More 

(registration recommended)

Join College and community leaders on Oct. 14 as the conversation shifts to one of the most consequential issues confronting higher education and the workforce. Leadership coach and speaker Carl Lubbe is the founder of Curiosity, a leadership development company focused on the human skills technology cannot replace. His work explores emotional intelligence, communication and collaboration—and why those capabilities become increasingly valuable in an AI-driven workplace. In his “EQ in the Age of AI” presentation, Lubbe will explore why emotional intelligence may become more, not less, valuable as artificial intelligence makes technical skills increasingly accessible and automated.

His presentation examines seven human-centered skills leaders need for the 21st century and challenges audiences to make curiosity, rather than judgment, a starting point for innovation and collaboration.

It is a conversation already taking place throughout Seminole State. The College's AI strategy focuses on preparing students for the future of work by combining AI literacy with critical thinking, creativity, judgment and responsible decision-making. Faculty have also been actively exploring AI's implications for teaching, assessment, ethics and workforce preparation.

Looking Ahead: The Intersection of Science, Space, Technology and Art

Next March, Ariel Waldman, National Geographic Explorer, TED speaker and author, will bring another perspective to campus – one centered on science, technology, exploration and expanding who sees themselves as part of discovery.

“Through these programs and similar platforms, Seminole State brings national expertise to Central Florida, connects those perspectives to issues affecting our region, adds the insight and expertise of College faculty, and invites the broader community into the conversation to create opportunities to learn together, exchange ideas and look ahead at the forces shaping our shared future,” Lorenz continued.

Together, programs like this reflect Seminole State's commitment to serving as a learning partner not only for students, but for a changing and growing Central Florida region.