Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and higher education, and the Office of Distance Learning is hosting two upcoming webinars to help you stay ahead. Whether you're curious about AI’s workforce impact or looking to equip your students with essential AI skills, these sessions will provide valuable insights and practical tools.
Teaching for the Future: Insights from Industry Leaders on AI and the Future of Work
11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 20
Join a dynamic panel of industry experts as they discuss how AI is transforming sectors like healthcare, technology, and manufacturing — and how higher education can prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow.
Meet the Panelists
Charles Fenstermaker
President, C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, L.L.C.
Charles leads the firm in innovation, strategic growth, and workforce development. With expertise in finance, operations, and training, he champions the integration of technology into engineering and professional services. Charles offers valuable insight into AI's role in shaping the workforce.
Rick Gallot
President, University of Louisiana System
A licensed attorney with over 32 years of public service, Rick Gallot brings a wealth of experience in governance, higher education, and workforce development. As President of the University of Louisiana System, he’s dedicated to shaping higher education’s response to AI's future challenges.
Dr. Amanda Logue
Chief Medical Officer, Ochsner Lafayette General
Board-certified in Internal Medicine & Clinical Informatics, Dr. Logue has spent 15 years advancing healthcare technology, including leading the region’s electronic medical record implementation. Her expertise in healthcare technology and clinical practice offers a key perspective on AI’s impact on healthcare.
David Maynor
Partner & Director of the CGI Academy, CGI
David has created and managed technical solutions for over 43 Years. His background in business planning and marketing research and the many years as a technology-based entrepreneur has led to a unique perspective in crafting and implementing unique solutions to challenging problems. The nature of this experience has led to significant expertise in application development, product/project management, technical roadmaps, and team building. David leads the CGI Academy, which is responsible for reshaping the skills of the workforce.
Hunter Thevis
President & Co-Founder, S1 Technology
As a leader of one of the fastest-growing IT service companies in the U.S., Hunter brings a security-first approach to managed IT services for small to mid-sized businesses. His perspective on cybersecurity and technology trends is crucial for understanding AI’s evolving role in business.
Jena Thompson
Talent Manager, Stuller Inc.
Jena specializes in developing strategies to attract and retain top talent, particularly in technology and leadership roles. Her experience in workforce recruitment will offer valuable insights into preparing students for careers in high-demand industries impacted by AI.
This roundtable will offer actionable strategies for educators to align academic programs with the needs of an AI-driven workforce. Don’t miss the chance to engage with these experts and learn how to prepare your students for the future.
Advancing AI Literacy Across Campus: A Faculty Guide to the New AI Literacy Microcredential for Students
1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26
The University of Louisiana System is launching a new AI Literacy Microcredential to prepare students for success in the AI age. This webinar, led by course designers, will walk faculty through the course's content, goals, and benefits, while offering strategies to integrate AI literacy into their classrooms and support student success in an AI-driven world.
Meet the Panelists
Dr. Katie Dawson
Assistant VP for Academic Innovation and Learning, University of Louisiana System
Dr. Dawson is a strategic leader in higher education specializing in academic innovation and workforce-aligned program development. With a focus on increasing access and success for adult and non-traditional learners, her work through initiatives like Compete LA and Bridging the Divide drives digital equity and institutional transformation.
Meredith King
Interim Director for the Center for Teaching Innovation, University of New Orleans
Meredith is a nationally recognized expert on AI literacy and online learning. She’s designed faculty development programs and published research on AI’s impact on assessment, all while collaborating with educators nationwide to create inclusive, effective courses for the digital age.
Dr. Megan Lowe
Director of University Libraries, Northwestern State University
A seasoned instructional librarian, Dr. Lowe specializes in digital literacies and the ethical use of generative AI in higher education. She advocates for ethical AI integration and works to bridge the digital divide, promoting thoughtful AI use in academic settings.
Dr. Whitney Sivils-Sawyer
Director of Faculty Professional Development, Louisiana Tech University
Dr. Sivils-Sawyer leads faculty development in instructional technology and enjoys exploring the potential positive impacts of AI on teaching and learning. She holds an EdD in Educational Leadership and is dedicated to advancing AI’s role in higher education.
Dr. Francesco Crocco
Assistant Director for Instructional Support, Â鶹AV
Dr. Crocco is committed to advancing AI literacy and adoption in higher education. He focuses on fostering innovation and professional development in online learning to support student success in an AI-driven world.
This session is essential for faculty looking to enhance their courses and equip students with AI knowledge. Join us to learn how this microcredential supports student success.
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