The next frontier
Campus Catalyst
The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies annual gathering of UT faculty and campus leaders to shape new intercollegiate curricula will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM in the Pilot Ballroom at the Student Union.
This year’s theme, The Next Frontier, explores how AI, quantum technologies, autonomous systems, and new models of healthcare are reshaping what graduates need to succeed.
RSVP for Campus Catalyst
Faculty across campus have been instrumental in shaping CECS’ curriculum and in the college’s success in developing intercollegiate programs and experiences. As CECS continues to build innovative campuswide programs, we value the partnership, collaboration and expertise of every college as we continue to align curriculum to prepare students for the rapidly changing workforce and jobs of the future.
RSVP for lunch and share any dietary restrictions using the link below.
Agenda Highlights
Monday, October 19, 2026
- 8:30 AM – Check-In
- 9:00 AM – Welcome to the Next Frontier, Vice Chancellor Deborah Crawford
- 9:15 AM – Our Shared Success Story, Vice Provost & Founding Dean Ozlem Kilic
- 9:45 AM – Q&A, Vice Provost & Founding Dean Ozlem Kilic
- 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM — Breakout Sessions I:
- Future of Health: Who Will Build the Future of Health and What Will They Need to Know?
- Quantum & Next-Gen Computing: Who Will Be Ready When the Impossible Becomes Computable?
- Humans + AI: What Will Humans Be Hired to Do When AI Can Create?
- 12:00 PM – Lunch & Provost’s Panel: “From the Frontier to the Graduate”, featuring Provost John Zomchick and guests
- 1:15 – 2:30 PM — Breakout Sessions II:
- Build Faster, Think Better: AI as an Entrepreneurial Accelerator
- Cybersecurity & Digital Trust: Who Will Protect a World We Can No Longer Trust?
- Intelligent Machines & the Physical World: Who Will Build, Manage, and Work Alongside Intelligent Machines?
- 2:30 – Career Catalyst Town Hall
- 3:00 – Closing Remarks, President Randy Boyd
