(MURRAY, Ky.) – As artificial intelligence reshapes the modern landscape, Murray State University will host a timely discussion on nurturing human creativity to thrive in an increasingly automated world.
Dr. Stephanie Rea, a distinguished professor of music at Murray State, will present “Creativity as a Life Skill in the Age of AI” on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 4 p.m. in Faculty Hall 208. The free public lecture is part of the university’s ongoing Humanities+ Series.
Rea’s presentation will examine why creativity has become more crucial than ever, both professionally and personally, as society navigates technological advancement. She plans to discuss how individuals can discover and cultivate creative thinking while building adaptability and finding inspiration for long-term success.
“In an age where AI can perform many routine tasks, our uniquely human capacity for creativity becomes our greatest asset,” Rea said, highlighting the central theme of her upcoming talk.
Acclaimed Academic and Performer
Rea brings extensive credentials to the discussion, having joined Murray State’s faculty in 2000. Her academic achievements include receiving the university’s Presidential Research Fellowship and Teaching Innovation Faculty Fellowship, along with distinction as a Fulbright Scholar at Austria’s Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in 2009.
Beyond traditional academic work, Rea has authored “Flute Hygiene: A Guide to Developing and Maintaining the Habits that Lead to Better Flute Playing” and created “The Next Best Thing: A Flute Professor’s Tragicomic Origin Story,” an innovative one-woman show blending musical performance with storytelling.
Her performance career spans prestigious venues and festivals worldwide. Notable appearances include concerto soloist at the International Bach Festival, performances at New York’s Merkin Hall, and featured roles at the Rome Festival and National Flute Association Annual Convention. The Flutist Quarterly has recognized her as “a rising star” and “a name to be remembered.”
Rea’s influence extends through master classes taught across academic levels, from beginning students to doctoral programs at institutions including the University of Michigan and Arizona State University.
Humanities+ Series Continues Mission
The lecture represents the latest installment in Murray State’s Humanities+ Series, designed to explore human flourishing in contemporary challenges while fostering creative and intellectual growth opportunities.
The series regularly features Murray State faculty, students, alumni, and invited professionals from arts, humanities, and social sciences. Programming includes public lectures, teaching workshops, and cultural events aimed at developing essential life and learning skills.
As named faculty with the Kentucky Foundation for the Humanities, Rea has published academic research, composed original music available through Veritas Musica, and recorded “Solo French and American Flute Music” for Centaur Records, available on major streaming platforms.
Thursday’s presentation promises to offer practical insights for anyone seeking to maintain their creative edge in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. All Humanities+ events remain free and open to the public.
Additional information about the series is available at murraystate.edu/humanities.