The Human Element: Navigating AI in Professional Comms

AI is already changing the way communicators work, but using it effectively takes more than knowing which button to push. Join Wichita Professional Communicators for a candid panel discussion about practical uses, misconceptions, ethics, and responsible use of AI. Our panelists will share real-world experiences, including successes, surprises, and near-successes, and explore where these tools can help, where they can go wrong, and why human judgment still matters.

About the presenters:

John Jones
John has held a wide variety of roles in both the public and private sectors, working for large universities, small colleges, startups, and Fortune 500 companies. He has been a web developer, corporate trainer, adjunct lecturer, editor, instructional designer, educational technologist, and now serves as executive director of the Media Resources Center at Wichita State University.

John has a Master of Fine Arts in Fiction from Wichita State University and a Master’s degree in English from Kansas State University. He grew up in Western New York, completed his bachelor’s in history and English at SUNY Binghamton (now Binghamton University).

Imran Musaji, PhD, CCC-SLP
Dr. Imran Musaji is a faculty member in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Wichita State University. His teaching and research focus on evidence-based clinical practice, speech science, telepractice, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. He is interested in the intersection of communication and technology.

Carolyn I. Speer PhD, CPTM, CPACC
Carolyn is the Director of the Office of Instructional Resources and also teaches online for the Department of Intervention Services and Leadership in Education. She came to Wichita State after working for several years as a private curriculum developer and online textbook author. She began her career as an adjunct instructor of Political Science and English at Friends University, where she rose to Assistant Professor and Academic Chair of the College of Adult and Professional Studies before leaving Friends for a family military move. Carolyn holds a PhD in Adult Education and is a Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM), a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC), and a Certified Workplace Mindfulness Facilitator (CWMF). Her website is https://carolynspeer.com/.

Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Place: Larkspur Bistro & Bar, 904 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita

Please note: Free parking is available in City of Wichita surface lots west and north of Larkspur.

Save $5! Make your reservation by noon Tuesday, October 6 for these early-bird prices:

WPC members $25
Non-Members $35
Students are always $10

No reservation? Walk-in prices:

WPC members $30
Non-Members $40
Students are always $10

WPC monthly meetings support a scholarship fund for Wichita-area students pursuing a career in communications. Every year, WPC provides scholarships of up to $2,000 for Wichita-area college and university students majoring in a communications field. If you feel inspired, make a donation during check-out to help a future communicator!

The Human Element: Navigating AI in Professional Comms

2026 WPC October Luncheon