TLDR: The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) has launched three new Artificial Intelligence courses through its Extended Education program. These courses, ‘Supercharge Your Marketing Strategy with AI,’ ‘Basics of AI for Better Living,’ and ‘Customized AI Solutions for Business,’ are designed to equip individuals and businesses with practical AI skills, addressing the growing demand for AI proficiency in the modern workforce. Marla Johnson, UA Little Rock’s tech-entrepreneur-in-residence, will instruct the courses.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) is taking a proactive step to address the escalating demand for artificial intelligence proficiency in the modern workforce by rolling out three innovative new courses through its Extended Education program. These programs are meticulously designed to equip individuals and businesses with practical, actionable AI skills.
Marla Johnson, UA Little Rock’s distinguished tech-entrepreneur-in-residence and a seasoned instructor for several of these new offerings, emphasized the transformative nature of the curriculum. “These courses are about more than learning technology. They’re about giving professionals the ability to apply AI to real business challenges, solve problems creatively, and gain a competitive edge,” Johnson stated. With over 30 years of experience in innovation and digital transformation, including her tenure as former CEO of Aristotle, Inc., Johnson brings a wealth of real-world expertise to the classroom.
The new course offerings include:
Supercharge Your Marketing Strategy with AI:
This comprehensive four-week certificate program is tailored for marketing professionals. Participants will master the use of ChatGPT and other AI tools to accelerate campaign planning, uncover deep customer insights, and generate content at scale. The program consists of seven live virtual sessions and culminates in an in-person capstone and networking event at UA Little Rock Downtown. Sessions are scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays from October 6-29, from 6-8 p.m. The cost for this certificate program is $499, and participants will earn an ‘AI for Business Certificate’ upon completion.
The relevance of these skills is underscored by industry data: 84% of marketers using generative AI report improved performance, and 64% leverage it for personalization at scale (Salesforce, State of Marketing Report, 2024). Furthermore, early AI adopters in marketing are seeing productivity gains of 5-15% in total marketing spend (McKinsey & Company, 2023), yet only 29% of marketers currently feel confident using AI (Marketing AI Institute, 2024).
Basics of AI for Better Living:
This beginner-friendly, 1.5-hour course offers a fun and accessible introduction to artificial intelligence for non-technical learners, including seniors and retirees. The class aims to demystify AI and demonstrate how it can simplify and enhance daily life, from planning travel and finding new recipes to tracing family history or organizing a garden. Attendees will learn how to effectively interact with free chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude to obtain customized answers. Monthly in-person classes are offered, with upcoming sessions on September 19 and October 17, from 3-4:30 p.m., in the Reynolds Business Building Room 108. The cost is $40 per person.
This initiative aligns with findings from the AARP Tech Trends Report (2024), which indicates that nearly 75% of older adults are eager to learn more about technology.
Customized AI Solutions for Business:
Designed for organizations, this program provides tailored training and consulting services to help businesses integrate AI tools into their operations. The focus is on automating processes, creating AI-driven agents to manage tasks for review, and generating insightful reports. Businesses interested in this custom solution can schedule a free consultation by contacting Marla Johnson at [email protected] or Nick Stevens, Director of Extended Education, at [email protected].
Also Read:
- Navigating the AI Landscape: A Deep Dive into Generative and Applied AI Training in 2025
- Silverback AI Chatbot Unveils Advanced AI Agents for Enhanced Business Operations
Dr. Aaron Duvall, Executive Director of Workforce Development at UA Little Rock, highlighted the immediate applicability of the new programs. “Whether someone is new to AI or looking to implement advanced solutions in their business, participants will leave these courses with actionable strategies they can apply right away,” Duvall affirmed. This initiative underscores UA Little Rock’s commitment to preparing Arkansas’s workforce for the technological advancements shaping the future.
