During his visit, Turner met with KSOB faculty and students and engaged directly with participants in CIS 3502, who are currently working on a real-world AI Chatbot Initiative sponsored by Burkle North America. The project represents a hands-on industry collaboration designed to give students meaningful experience applying emerging technologies in a business setting.
As part of the initiative, student teams have conducted a comprehensive needs analysis and developed full project documentation while progressing toward a functional prototype of an AI-powered chatbot designed to support Burkle’s customers. The chatbot is intended to augment Burkle’s Customer Service Helpdesk by providing immediate and accurate answers about the operation of industrial technology products, searching machine manuals, and escalating complex issues when necessary.
Turner, along with Eddie Wright, Director of Technical Services at Burkle North America, also participated in a live Q&A session with students attending both in person and via Zoom. The session provided additional context and clarification to help students refine their deliverables as they move toward the end-of-semester milestone.
The collaboration provided students with hands-on experience in IT project planning, client communication, and applied artificial intelligence within a real business environment—further demonstrating Catawba College’s commitment to experiential learning and strong alumni partnerships.
Photo (Top Right): Andy Turner '00
