MDCC Opens Mississippi’s First Apple AI Lab in Higher Education

MOORHEAD, MS (Apr. 8, 2025) – Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC), in partnership with the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) and Apple, is proud to announce the opening of the first artificial intelligence (AI) lab in higher education in the state. Housed in Horton 130 on the Moorhead Campus, the Apple AI Lab offers students and faculty cutting-edge access to artificial intelligence tools and resources, positioning MDCC at the forefront of innovation in education and workforce development.

This initiative is a joint effort between MDCC’s Workforce and Instructional Technology departments and is part of a larger mission to expand access to AI learning and training opportunities. Alongside the new lab space, MDCC offers multiple, self-paced, free AI courses to introduce learners to AI fundamentals and real-world applications.

“AI has appeared and grown quickly in the last year,” said Jason Zuehlke, Director of Instructional Technology and coordinator of the Tech Zone at MDCC. “It has been great to partner with MAIN and Apple to be able to provide the resources we have. Like any tool, AI can be a great asset if used correctly. The Tech Zone is proud to host the Apple AI Lab made possible by the MAIN Grant and guide training in ethical and effective uses of AI.”

The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN), established in 2023, is the nation’s first and only statewide AI initiative. MAIN provides leadership in artificial intelligence across the state through a combination of awareness, education, training, and innovation. More about MAIN and its initiatives can be found at https://mainms.org.

The AI Lab is housed within MDCC’s Tech Zone, a dynamic and collaborative technology space launched in Fall 2022 under the Office of Instructional Technology. Designed to support both students and faculty, the Tech Zone includes collaborative work areas equipped with whiteboards, projectors and a Newline Interactive Display—offering features like whiteboarding, internet access and screen mirroring. The space also boasts an entire green screen wall for customized video projects, as well as tools such as iPads and Swivls for recording and presentation.

Faculty and students are encouraged to explore the space and learn more about how technology can enhance education, creativity and workforce readiness.

For more information about MDCC’s AI Lab and tech resources, please visit https://msdeltaworkforce.catalog.instructure.com or stop by Horton 130 on the Moorhead Campus.