AI Expert to Headline Rockhurst University Leadership Series

Few areas of contemporary human life have not already been affected by the sudden rise of artificial intelligence technology.

That reality has considerable ramifications for our personal and professional lives. As the guest of the 2024 Rockhurst University Leadership Series event, bestselling author and New York Times technology columnist Kevin Roose, considered one of the most knowledgeable journalists on the subject of AI, will present "Answering the Prompt: Leading With Integrity in the AI World," scheduled for 3-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1602 Broadway Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64108. The presentation promises to be an exploration of both the big questions and nuances associated with the shifting roles of human effort and machine learning in the age of AI and what it means to be an ethical leader as use of the technology spreads.

Kevin Roose is the author of three books - "Futureproof: 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation," "Young Money" and "The Unlikely Disciple." In his regular column in the New York Times, "The Shift," he examines the intersection of tech, business and culture. Roose is a recurring guest on the Times' news podcast, "The Daily," and appears regularly on leading TV and radio shows. He writes and speaks frequently on topics including automation and artificial intelligence, social media, disinformation and cybersecurity, and digital wellness. As a host of two New York Times podcasts, "Hard Fork" and "Rabbit Hole," Roose explores the ever-evolving landscape of technology, delving into the wild frontiers of the digital world and how the internet influences our beliefs and behavior.

Most recently, Roose's work, including "Futureproof," examines how humans must adapt to the explosion of AI, informed by interviews with experts and leaders who are tackling these complex challenges. The result is meant to help us understand and adapt to the seemingly endless applications and serious ethical implications of our continued co-evolution with AI and technology.

"AI is better than humans at operating in stable environments, with static, well-defined rules and consistent inputs," he writes. "On the other hand, humans are much better than AI at handling surprises, filling in gaps, or operating in environments with poorly defined rules or incomplete information."

Also during the event, Rockhurst University will honor the recipient of the 2024 Rashford-Lyon Award for Leadership and Ethics. The Rashford-Lyon Award for Leadership and Ethics is named for two of Rockhurst's influential leaders: the late Tom Lyon, Ph.D., and the Rev. Nick Rashford, S.J. Established in 2014, the Rashford-Lyon Award for Leadership and Ethics honors recipients who exemplify high ethical standards of business conduct with excellence in leadership as demonstrated by outstanding initiative, impact of work and inspiration to others. Past recipients include Tom Lyon, Ph.D.; Jane Chu, Ph.D., '05 EMBA; Mayor Sly James, '80; Patricia Cleary Miller, Ph.D.; Tom McCullough, '64, and Tom McDonnell, '66; Jean Dunn, Wendy Doyle, '94, Lisa Ginter, '87, Ama Karikari, M.D., '07, Marny Sherman, '75, and Bridgette Williams, '16 EMBA; Joe Reardon, '90; and Madeline Romious, '95 MBA.