Dr. Quentin Young to Headline AI Panel at SOAR Summit’s Closing Plenary

The SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission, is proud to announce that Dr. Quentin Young, President-elect of the University of the Cumberlands, will be a featured speaker during the Closing Plenary Session on Friday, August 29, at the Corbin Arena.

This highly anticipated session — presented by the University of the Cumberlands — will close out Appalachia’s premier gathering of more than 1,200 leaders, doers, and dreamers committed to building a stronger Eastern Kentucky. Dr. Young will participate in a panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential to reshape rural economies, institutions, and communities.

“Artificial intelligence is not a distant wave—it’s already reshaping the realities of education, work, and opportunity across Eastern Kentucky,” said Young. “As leaders in this region, we have a responsibility to ensure AI becomes a force that empowers our people and enhances the work they do. That means investing in learning, infrastructure, and vision so that our communities don’t just adapt to change—they drive it.”

Throughout his tenure at Cumberlands, Dr. Young has played a role in advancing some of the institution’s most impactful initiatives, including affordability efforts like the Cumberlands Commitment and One Price Promise. In the spirit of innovation, Cumberlands is at the forefront of embracing artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance learning, personalize education, support student success, and elevate the student experience. The University currently offers a fully online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI), a graduate program designed to equip professionals in business, IT, and data science to lead ethically and effectively in an AI-powered world.

Dr. Young’s career spans banking, accounting, higher education, and community leadership. A CPA and Whitley County native, he holds four degrees from the University of the Cumberlands, including a Ph.D. in Information Technology. His presence at the Summit symbolizes not only professional excellence but a deep, personal investment in the region’s future.

About the SOAR Summit

The 2025 SOAR Summit — scheduled for August 26–29 in Corbin, Kentucky — is more than a conference. It’s a platform for bold ideas, collaborative partnerships, and transformative action. With sessions spanning economic development, workforce, education, entrepreneurship, health, and technology, the Summit brings together changemakers across sectors to shape the future of Appalachia.

Featured Experiences Include:

• The EKY Experience Expo Hall – A hands-on showcase of innovation across Eastern Kentucky
• SOAR Inspires Awards Dinner (Aug 27) – Honoring regional impact leaders
• Taste of Corbin Reception (Aug 28) – A downtown celebration of culture and cuisine

Register Today

Early Bird pricing is available through June 13 at $250. This all-access pass includes:

• Full programming on August 26–2
• Three Plenary Sessions, including the AI-focused Closing Plenary
• Access to the EKY Experience Expo Hall
• Tickets to the SOAR Inspires Awards Dinner and Taste of Corbin
• Breakfast (Aug 27–28) and lunch (Aug 27)

Reserve your seat now at www.soar-ky.org/summit.