AI in Academia: Navigating the Future

Episode 18: Jeff LeBlanc

Jeff LeBlanc, a Lecturer of Management at Bentley University discusses the evolving role of AI in business education and leadership. Jeff shares insights on the human elements of organizational behavior, emphasizing that while AI is a powerful tool for generating ideas, it cannot replace genuine human connection and empathy. The conversation explores Jeff’s engaged empathy leadership model, highlighting the importance of kindness, fairness, and structure in guiding students and future leaders.

Episode 17: Nathan Carter

Nathan Carter, Professor of Mathematical Sciences and Director of the Center for Analytics and Data Science at Bentley University, joins the podcast to share his current research on whether AI can accurately grade mathematical proofs and provide meaningful feedback to students. The conversation explores the challenges of precision, logic, and ethical concerns in AI-assisted grading, and considers broader implications for teaching, learning, and faculty development. Listeners will also gain insights from Bentley’s participation in the AAC&U Institute for AI in Pedagogy and Curriculum, including practical frameworks for evaluating and integrating AI tools in higher education.

Episode 16: Denny Hummer and Amber Guerrero

Denny Hummer. assistant director of the Bucknell SBDC and Amber Guerrero, a business consultant at Bucknell SBDC discuss their roles in driving the use of AI among local entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania. They share their experiences with AI, including how it has transformed their work processes and improved efficiency. They emphasize the importance of AI in providing better service to clients and the need for students to learn and use AI tools effectively. The conversation highlights the evolution of AI in small business development, the integration of AI in educational settings, and the impact of AI on student internships and job roles.

Episode 15: Mareike Möhlmann

Mareike Möhlmann, associate professor of computer information systems at Bentley University, discusses how her university has been working on guidelines and guidance for faculty around AI, what Uber tells us about the future of AI and work, and how to support digital literacy.

Episode 14: Dawn Edmiston

Dr. Dawn Edmiston, an award-winning Clinical Professor of Marketing at William & Mary (W&M) discusses the use of generative AI for personal branding and digital marketing, practical strategies, challenges, and ethical considerations for integrating AI in the classroom and online learning. She also dives into the importance of asking better questions, and how AI can support—not replace—human creativity and connection.