About me
Dr. Kollin Napier is the Director of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN), the nation’s first and only statewide artificial intelligence (AI) initiative. Through MAIN, he leads efforts to advance AI literacy, workforce development, and economic growth, providing free, cutting-edge AI training to thousands across education and industry. Under his leadership, MAIN has delivered over 20,000 hours of AI education and established AI labs across Mississippi’s colleges and universities.
A recognized leader in AI innovation and workforce transformation, Dr. Napier was named 2024 Mississippian of the Year (AITP), selected as a 2025 Reveille 25 honoree (Mississippi State University), and awarded the 2025 Hugh I. Peck Research Award (PREPS) for his contributions to AI education and research. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Mississippi State University, specializing in AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Before leading MAIN, he worked as a software architect and developer, bridging industry and academia to shape Mississippi’s technology-driven future.
