Presidential Speaker Series
Presidential Speaker Series
The WKU Presidential Speaker Series brings leaders, visionaries and innovators to campus to share their unique experiences and perspectives. The series covers a wide range of topics spanning multiple disciplines - generating thought-provoking dialogue, fostering curiosity, supporting intellectual growth and inspiring the Hilltopper and greater Bowling Green communities.
Tuesday, November 3
7:00 p.m. in Van Meter Auditorium
Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
Making AI More Human
Presented by Jeremy Utley, an internationally recognized innovation expert, bestselling author, and instructor at Stanford Online and Harvard's DCE.
Learn more about this year's speaker.
Attendees can receive a free copy of Jeremy's upcoming book,"The Human Advantage: What AI Can’t Do Without You".
Learn more about his upcoming book and how to request your copy.
"As these technologies continue to evolve, thoughtful conversations about their opportunities and implications are increasingly important. Our students, and many of us, are using these tools, and we must consider what role AI should play and how we shape that role with intention, care and integrity. Jeremy’s perspective offers a compelling framework for understanding how AI can complement human ingenuity rather than replace it, making this presentation especially relevant for students, educators, professionals and community members."
- President Timothy C. Caboni
Jeremy Utley transforms how individuals and organizations unlock the combined power of human creativity and artificial intelligence. He is an instructor at Stanford Online and Harvard's DCE, where he has earned multiple "favorite professor" distinctions. Jeremy is a Thinkers50 Top Ten Innovation Leader whose dynamic approach to teaching, research, and advisory work makes him a trusted guide for leaders navigating the AI era.
Jeremy's bestselling book "Ideaflow: The Only Business Metric That Matters" has been translated into 10+ languages, earning acclaim as a foundational guide to innovation. His top 1% podcast "Beyond the Prompt: How to Use AI in Your Company" explores practical strategies for leveraging AI as a thought partner, empowering professionals to tackle complex challenges with confidence. Jeremy's latest course, "AI for Work," has already equipped thousands of professionals across 70+ countries to integrate generative AI into their daily workflows.
A self-described "recovering spreadsheet enthusiast," Jeremy's transformation from finance to design underscores his belief that creativity is a learnable skill—one that he now empowers leaders to cultivate through AI-enhanced innovation. CEOs and leadership teams regularly seek his counsel to drive innovation strategy and integrate AI, resulting in measurable business transformation. Over the past 15+ years, he has taught over a million students worldwide, helping organizations foster cultures of innovation and AI fluency.
Known for his sharp insights and approachable humor, Jeremy's keynotes deliver transformative learning experiences, bridging cutting-edge research with actionable takeaways. His research and insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, NPR, The Financial Times, and numerous other prestigious publications.
Jeremy holds an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he graduated with distinction as an Arjay Miller Scholar (top 10%), and a BBA in Finance with Honors from The University of Texas at Austin. He is also a General Partner at Freespin Capital, bringing his expertise to early-stage technology investments.
The series complements students’ classroom experiences and provides learning and engagement opportunities for residents of Bowling Green, Warren County and beyond.
Jeremy Utley will present Making AI More Human, a thought-provoking keynote address exploring how individuals and organizations can unlock the full potential of generative artificial intelligence.
Drawing on cutting-edge research featured in The Wall Street Journal, Utley argues that many professionals fail to realize AI's greatest value because they approach it as they would any other technology.
His presentation will challenge attendees to rethink their relationship with AI and demonstrate practical strategies for using these rapidly evolving tools to enhance creativity, problem-solving and innovation.
Free Book Exclusively For Attendees
Additionally, Jeremy Utley has generously offered to mail event attendees a FREE copy of his upcoming book once it is released on November 10, 2026.
Jeremy Utley's presentation is FREE and open to WKU students, faculty, staff and the public; no ticket is needed. Doors will open at Van Meter Auditorium at 6:15 p.m. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.
Food and drinks are not permitted in the auditorium, and recording or photography of any kind is prohibited during the presentation.
At the conclusion of the 55-minute presentation, there will be an opportunity for questions. If you wish to ask a question at that time, please remain seated, raise your hand and wait for a moderator to assist with a microphone.
General parking is available in the Hub Lot and the Alumni Square Garage.
Disability parking is available in the Old Fort Lot and the Potter Lot.
WKU Office of the President
Craig Administration Building
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd., #11001
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Phone: (270) 745-4346
Email: president@wku.edu
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