HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Wichita native who has built a national profile at the intersection of entertainment and artificial intelligence will headline the next installment of the Dillon Lecture Series at Hutchinson Community College.
Taryn Southern, a graduate of Wichita East High School, is scheduled to speak at 10:30 a.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Doors open at 9:45 a.m., and the event is free for students and school groups.
Denny Stoecklein, director of marketing at Hutchinson Community College, said Southern’s regional roots add an extra layer of relevance for local audiences.
“She’s someone who grew up right here in Kansas and has gone on to make a name for herself in entertainment, technology and artificial intelligence,” Steckline said.
Southern’s career spans multiple disciplines, including digital media, music and emerging technologies. She gained early traction through her YouTube presence and later drew national attention for producing one of the first fully AI-generated music albums. Her work has explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping creative industries and everyday life.
Stoecklein compared the current rise of AI to the early days of the internet, noting that while the technology can feel intimidating, it is already integrated into daily routines.
“Whether we realize it or not, we’re all using AI in some fashion every day,” he said, adding that Southern’s presentation is expected to help make the topic more accessible to a broad audience.
Southern’s academic background reflects her wide-ranging interests. She holds degrees in anthropology and journalism from the University of Miami, a combination Stoecklein said underscores her ability to bridge human behavior, storytelling and technology.
Stoecklein says the lecture is especially valuable for students, as the Dillon Lecture Series was designed to expose young people to influential voices and emerging ideas. Educators are encouraged to bring classes, particularly as the school year winds down.
“This is something students can enjoy but also take something meaningful away from,” Stoecklein said.
The event is open to the public, with a strong emphasis on student attendance and engagement with the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in modern life.