Engaging Perspectives
AI and The Future of Work
Feb. 5, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Modlin Center for the Arts
Is AI already changing the way we work — and what’s to come? Join us for a timely discussion between two scholars who are shaping global conversations on this important and evolving topic.
As part of the University of Richmond’s Sharp Viewpoint Speaker Series, leading economists David Autor and Anton Korinek will share insights and offer different perspectives as they explore the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Kevin F. Hallock, University of Richmond President and Distinguished University Professor of Economics, will moderate the discussion.
Event registration opens January 6, 2026.
Meet our Speakers
David Autor
Autor is the Daniel (1972) and Gail Rubinfeld Professor in the MIT Department of Economics, co-director of the NBER Labor Studies Program, and the James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Center on Inequality and Shaping the Future of Work. His scholarship explores the labor-market impacts of technological change. Learn more about David Autor.
Anton Korinek
Korinek is a professor at the University of Virginia, Department of Economics and Darden School of Business as well as the faculty director of the Economics of Transformative AI Initiative. He was named to the 2025 TIME100 AI list of the most influential people in artificial intelligence. Learn more about Anton Korinek.
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About The Sharp Viewpoint Speaker Series
The Sharp Viewpoint Speakers Series was established in 2011 in honor of Richard L. Sharp, a nationally recognized entrepreneur, to present competing views on topics crucial to our society.
Sharp was an exemplar of personal and professional integrity who served as a mentor to aspiring business and community leaders. Among his many professional roles, he served as president, chief executive officer, and chairman of the board at Circuit City until 2002. Under his leadership, Circuit City developed into one of the nation’s Fortune 500 businesses. He also directed Circuit City’s venture into CarMax, which revolutionized the automotive retail industry, growing it into the nation’s largest retailer of previously owned cars. He retired as chairman of the board in June 2007. He also served as chairman of the board of Crocs, Inc. from 2005 to 2010.
Sharp was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease in late 2010 but continued to demonstrate his values of leading by example, until his death in 2014, by helping shape the landscape of Virginia through his personal philanthropy, and by inspiring and motivating others to give back to their community.
Tickets
The Sharp Viewpoint Speaker Series is free and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged. There is no ticket for Sharp Series events; seating is general admission.