Artificial Intelligence makes businesses run ‘faster, smarter, quicker’

October 30, 2024

NSU Lunch and Learn talks about the future of AI for businesses and individuals, more upcoming sessions planned

NATCHITOCHES - Professionals from banking, business/industry, education, engineering, computer information systems, communications and the non-profit sector attended a Lunch and Learn Oct. 30 that focused on how Artificial Intelligence can help businesses run more efficiently and individuals perform more successfully.

Northwestern State University's Office of Economic Development and University Advancement hosted the lunch for about 30 guests who attended in person with 40 more participating via WebEx.

"Every week, there is something new. Every week, something changes," said presenter Monty Chicola. Chicola is an NSU grad whose company, Real Vision Software, Inc., has been an IBM Business Partner Company for the past 35 years. He said that AI, now a $3 trillion market, "is a Gutenberg revolution."

To stay relevant, companies and individuals should embrace AI and learn how to make it work for them faster, smarter and quicker.

"You have the knowledge of the world in your hands," Chicola said. AI can address a company's repetitive needs by taking data and doing the thinking and planning. "I want you to come away understanding the overall picture. Prepare yourself and learn what is good about this for your company."

Chicola will instruct an AI programming course through NSU's School of Business in partnership with IBM beginning in January 2025. The hands-on programming course will equip both students and working professionals with advanced AI skills. The course is for those who want to advance their career and "be the most knowledgeable and valued employee in their company," Chicola said.

The course will be from 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Jan. 14 in synchronous format for both in-person and on-line students. No transcripts are required. Information on the Spring 2025 AI course at NSU is available at https://nsu.la/ibm. A step-by-step enrollment guide can be found by visiting https://nsu.la/IBMApply.

NSU's Office of Economic Development and University Advancement is planning more AI Lunch and Learn sessions in Natchitoches and Shreveport. Details will be available as dates are finalized.