Leadership in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: NSU to host AI Forum featuring Dr. Julian Bailes, Dr. Neilank Jha and Monty Chicola

NATCHITOCHES, La., Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Through the vision and leadership of President James Genovese, Northwestern State University is attracting industry experts to further its position as a leader in artificial intelligence and innovation and has slated a groundbreaking public forum next month.

NSU will host Leadership in the Age of AI, featuring world-renowned experts Dr. Julian Bailes, Dr. Neilank Jha and Monty Chicola. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 19 at 5:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall and is open to the public.

This distinguished panel will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, leadership and technological advancements, drawing from their vast experiences in medicine, economics and computing. Their involvement underscores NSU's growing reputation as a regional leader in innovation and interdisciplinary studies, and its emergence on the forefront of AI instruction.

"The participation of these accomplished leaders brings Northwestern closer to its goal of being the premier regional institution not just in Louisiana but in the South," said President Genovese. "Their expertise and engagement with our students and faculty are invaluable as we continue to build a future-focused academic environment."

Bailes and Chicola are members of the university's Long Purple Line, its alumni hall of distinction. The honor, the highest Northwestern bestows, has been issued to only 158 accomplished graduates over the last four decades.

Genovese announced that Dr. Jha, M.D., FRCS(C), MSc, MBA, has been named Distinguished Professor in Leadership and Neuroeconomics on the university faculty. Dr. Jha, an accomplished neurosurgeon and behavioral economist, will be teaching a special topics course at NSU this fall, bringing his unique multidisciplinary approach to leadership education.

"This appointment would not be possible without my mentor, Dr. Julian Bailes, who has been an integral part of my journey over the past 15 years. Together, we have tackled challenges in traumatic brain injury, sports-related health, and now, the fight against brain cancer. I am honored to carry forward his legacy at NSU," said Dr. Jha.

Dr. Jha's career has been marked by a dedication to both Eastern and Western philosophies, blending them to develop leadership principles based on unity, service and resilience. His background includes an undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto, a medical degree and neurosurgery residency at McMaster University, a fellowship in complex spinal surgery at the University of Toronto and an MBA from the Ivey School of Business. He also holds a master's degree in Behavioral Economics and Cognitive Psychology from the London School of Economics.

Dr. Bailes, a Natchitoches native, has been named one of Chicago Magazine's "Top Brain Surgeons in Chicago" for 10 consecutive years. As a global leader in understanding the impact of brain injuries, particularly in sports-related trauma, Dr. Bailes has worked closely with professional sports leagues, the NCAA, Pop Warner youth football and other entities to advance the study of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

"It is with great pride that I welcome Dr. Jha to serve at NSU, where his expertise will have a profound impact on the students," said Dr. Bailes.

A pioneer in his field, Dr. Bailes' research has helped shape policies and medical protocols for athletes at all levels. His mentorship of Dr. Jha is a testament to his commitment to advancing the field of neuroscience and leadership.

Chicola, a Northwestern alumnus, is a trailblazer in the tech industry and the founder of Real Vision Software, an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) and IBM Business Partner specializing in AI-powered IBM i solutions. Chicola has been instrumental in establishing a partnership with NSU to develop a curriculum that prepares students for high-demand careers in technology.

Chicola, who serves on the IBM ISV board and the NSU Alumni board, has worked with IBM to create a Partnership for IBM AI Education at Northwestern. This curriculum is not only for NSU students but is reaching students all over the world, some as far as South Africa.

Students can achieve a badge from IBM proving the achievement from the education provided through NSU. The inaugural class will prepare participants to handle the current value of AI and the future enhancements to come in a business environment. The class began this spring. Chicola is teaching an IBM i programming course, focusing on modern enterprise computing and AI integration. His work exemplifies the university's commitment to equipping students with cutting-edge skills in a rapidly evolving industry.

The announcement of this forum comes at a pivotal moment as NSU unveils the establishment of the Lola Walker Dunahoe Endowed Chair. This endowed chair will attract top talent in interdisciplinary studies, reinforcing NSU's dedication to academic excellence and leadership in AI, neuroscience and technology.

Dr. Greg Handel, NSU's executive vice president and provost, said the gift from the Dunahoe family will be valuable in bringing experts from diverging specialties to discuss current issues and trends that could have profound implications for society. 

"Drs. Bailes, Jha and Professor Chicola will discuss the impacts of Artificial Intelligence on our daily lives, give varying perspectives about the practical applications of AI in our daily activities and discuss common trends that will guide us as we navigate the new pathways brought together by AI," Handel said. "This forum continues and supports Northwestern as we navigate new ways to deliver instruction, to find the ethical paths in the use of AI in our classrooms and to assist faculty, staff and students as we continue to integrate AI into many of the things we do. As a responsive institution, Northwestern is thrilled to have these distinguished guests together on stage, and we are grateful to the Dunahoe family for supporting this forum which encourages curiosity—a trait that was central to Lola Dunahoe's life and leadership."

The late Lola Walker Dunahoe was a revered Natchitoches resident whose contributions to education statewide and her service to the local community left a lasting impact. This endowment, made possible by her family, will honor her legacy by ensuring that Northwestern continues to draw outstanding scholars and innovators to inspire future generations.

Genovese emphasized the university extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Dunahoe family for the generosity in establishing this endowed chair. The commitment will help shape the university's future and strengthen its role as a leader in innovation and interdisciplinary education.

For more information on Leadership in the Age of AI, visit www.nsu.la/leadershipAI.

Leah Jackson ([email protected]) 
Director of Public Information and Media Relations
Northwestern State University
(318) 357-4553
www.nsula.edu/news 

SOURCE Northwestern State University