Axe & Answered

Axe & Answered - Academic Freedom Under Attack?

The Texas Legislature has been passing bills that serve to restrict and control what kinds of subjects can be taught in Texas universities. Supporters say it's to keep professors from "indoctrinating" students in their classrooms. Opponents say it's outright censorship that restricts academic freedoms. What is the future of education at Texas universities. Host/moderator: Tom Reynolds, lecturer - Media & Communications Guest: Scott Sosebee, Professor - History

AI in 2025: What's New in the World of Artificial Intelligence

In this episode, we discuss the growing impact of AI on education, popular culture and beyond. Host: Tom Reynolds, lecturer - Media and Communication Guests: Dr. Jason Macintosh, asst. professor - EnglishJustin Hughes - AI researcher, graduate student

Artificial Intelligence 2.0: What's AI up to now in 2024?

In this discussion, we dive into the continued growth of AI (artificial intelligence) and how it's improved dramatically since it first appeared to the public back in 2022. How has it impacted education, positively or negatively? Will it replace humans in the labor market? Will it ever get so good that it will become sentient and destroy us? Guest: Sara Parks - assistant professor, Dept of English; AI educator Justin Hughes, graduate assistant Moderator: Tom Reynolds - lecturer, Dept. of Media & Communications

Loblolly and Slash Pine: Forestry in East Texas and how Careers can be Made

East Texas - AKA the Pine Curtain - is home to over 12 million acres of pine forests and one of the nation's major producers of softwoods for commercial and industrial use. Forestry is also one of the largest programs at Stephen F. Austin State University, offering both undergraduate and graduate studies. In this episode, we discuss forest management, controlled burns, invasive pests, and how forestry is one of the strongest careers a college graduate can pursue, with a growing (no pun intended) demand for qualified job seekers. Guest: Dr. Hans Williams, Ph. D, Dean - Dept. of Forestry Host/moderator: Tom Reynolds, lecturer - Dept. of Mass Communications

"My Jersey is Worth HOW Much?": How NIL (Name/Image/Likeness) has Transformed College Sports

After the Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that college athletes are allowed to earn money through endorsements and merchandising, it has transformed college athletics in many ways, both good and bad. In this episode, we explore the specifics of NIL and its connection to the "transfer portal", where stand-out athletes can transfer to any number of colleges offering the best licensing deals through outside sponsors. Can it ruin a college's sports program when all of their best players are being lured away? Guest: Jonathan Shuskey - sports reporter/student athlete Host/moderator: Tom Reynolds, lecturer - Dept of Mass Communications