Keynote Speakers
Please note: All times are listed in U.S. Mountain Time Zone.
Opening Keynote | Wednesday, May 29
Join new colleagues and old friends for the official 2024 AIR Forum opening session featuring innovative ideas to carry through the week.
7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Breakfast Buffet and seating
8:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Program and Opening Keynote Speaker
Speaker
Paul Zikopoulos, leading expert in artificial intelligence (AI), is an award-winning author and speaker, future trends expert, and the VP of skills at IBM. Widely regarded for his forward-looking insights, Paul has authored 21 books and more than 360 articles on AI, tech, data and analytics.
With more than 29 years of experience in data, Paul has been consulted by “60 Minutes” and NATO on this topic and has been named in dozens of global “Experts to Follow” and “Thought Leader” lists, including Analytics Insight’s “Top 100 Global AI & Big Data Influencers.”
X | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Video: Ethics, Bias, and Things That Go Bump in an AI Night
Closing Keynote | Friday, May 31
Navigating Tomorrow: Exploring the Implications of AI in Higher Education
Join us for a thought-provoking closing panel as we delve into artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for colleges and universities. Our panelists will explore how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, and institutional operations and critically examine the ethical considerations and societal implications. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on navigating the evolving landscape of AI technologies in higher education.
9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Brunch Buffet and seating
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Program and Closing Keynote Panel
Panelists
Dr. Kofi Nyarko, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Director of the Center for Equitable Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Systems, Morgan State University
Kofi is a tenured Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Morgan State University. He serves as the director for the Center for Equitable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS). He has over 25 years of experience performing both fundamental and applied research in machine learning, computer vision, and intelligent and autonomous systems. In 2020, he was a recipient of the US Black Engineer HBCU STEM Innovation Award. He also holds two U.S. patents in building occupant localization via visible light communication and one in wearable devices for improved pulmonary health.
Mr. Orkun Toros, Associate Vice President and Chief Budget Officer, University of Texas at Dallas
Orkun currently serves as the Associate Vice President and Chief Budget Officer at the University of Texas at Dallas, overseeing the budget, bursar, central business services and finance IT areas. He has led numerous system development and process improvement initiatives focused on strategic planning, budgeting, shared services, business analytics, personnel actions, and financial planning across three institutions.
Dr. Mike Urmeneta, Chief Analytics Officer, The Urmeneta Group
Mike is the founder of The Urmeneta Group (mikeu.org), a consultancy empowering higher education to make data-informed decisions. With over two decades of experience in institutional research and analytics, Mike has collaborated with a diverse range of organizations, from community colleges and private universities to public, land-grant, and international institutions. As a sought-after speaker and author on AI's practical and responsible use, he has shared insights through keynotes, webinars, and publications, including The AIR Professional File. Holding degrees from NYU and Northeastern University, Mike is passionate about helping colleges and universities navigate the complexities of data-informed decision-making in today's ever-evolving educational landscape.
Join Us
Find community by joining your higher education colleagues for a unique opportunity to network, share best practices, and learn from practical workshops and sessions led by the field's leading experts.