That quote from Monty Chicola, founder of Real Vision Software and visiting scholar at NSU, aptly summarized some of the remarkable progress being made in building the university’s future. From three world class speakers to the announcement of Northwestern State University’s fourth endowed chair professorship, it was a great evening to be an NSU Demon as the University hosted a “Leadership in the Age of AI” forum before a full house at NSU’s Magale Hall Wednesday, March 19.

The evening began with the recognition of the Lola Walker Dunahoe Endowed Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies. This will be NSU’s fourth endowed chair and marks a major milestone in the university’s growth and reach. The endowed chair is named in honor of Lola Walker Dunahoe, a life-long and tireless supporter of her family, community and university. A generous gift of $600,000.00 from the Dunahoe family made the endowment possible. Neurosurgeon Dr. Neilank Jha will serve as the endowed chair’s Distinguished Professor in Leadership and Neuroeconomics.

The night’s event also served as the inaugural Lola Walker Dunahoe and Family Distinguished Lecture, which will become a yearly event bringing notable leaders, scholars and similarly accomplished people to share their insights with the NSU Community.

All three of the forum’s presenters spoke on various aspects of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The first, NSU alumni Monty Chicola, is the founder of Real Vision Software, a firm in Alexandria. Mr. Chicola spoke of discovering his love of computer science while a student at NSU where he also played in the Spirit of Northwestern Band and of how a 1984 digitizing of a photograph of his daughter led to the creation of his company and a successful collaboration with IBM. He also spoke about AI’s growing influence on business and other aspects of our lives. Mr. Chicola is a visiting scholar at NSU, teaching courses for IBM.

NSU alumni and world renowned Neurosurgeon, Dr. Julian Bailes, was the night’s second speaker. He gave a talk on his research into concussions and CTE in athletes, particularly football players. He then segued into the uses of AI in brain surgery and the practice of medicine.

Dr. Neilank Jha closed the evening with an eclectic presentation reminiscent of a TED Talk. In a wide ranging talk that served as a portent of what promises to become popular courses under his upcoming professorship, Dr. Jha spoke of AI affecting everything from tourism to community development. Originally from Ontario, he also spoke of his upbringing, playing hockey, a period of time living in India, and of working with sports teams as a physician.