Global leaders in higher education, policy, and technology gathered at Pace University’s New York City campus on Monday for Intelligent Futures: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Shaping Universities and Higher Education, a one-day international conference exploring how AI is transforming the future of universities worldwide.
The event, organized by the World University Leaders Forum (WULF) in partnership with O.P. Jindal Global University, brought together university presidents, faculty, and policymakers to explore AI’s impact on teaching, research, governance, and the student experience. A central theme throughout the day was the growing need for ethical frameworks and responsible oversight as institutions adopt AI at scale.
“Artificial intelligence has come to stay, and we cannot ignore it.” said Rajesh Bindal, Judge of the Supreme Court of India. “The challenge before universities is to ensure it is used responsibly, with clear policies and thoughtful governance.”
The conference featured keynote remarks, panel discussions, and the launch of the AI Governance Report 2026 from O.P. Jindal Global University, highlighting emerging global approaches to responsible AI adoption in higher education.
Interdisciplinary perspectives were explored during AI and the Humanities in Higher Education, where panelists examined how AI is influencing fields such as philosophy, law, and social sciences. The discussion featured C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University, Mohan Kumar, Dean, Strategic and International Initiatives, Office of the Vice Chancellor & Director General, O.P. Jindal Global University, and Tresmaine Grimes, Dean of Pace’s Dyson College of Arts and Science. The discussion was moderated by Pace University President Marvin Krislov.
“AI is fundamentally reshaping how knowledge is created, shared, and governed,” said Kumar. “Universities must lead with a global vision, developing frameworks that balance innovation with accountability while safeguarding academic integrity and public trust.”
The impact of AI on classrooms and student engagement was the focus of AI and the Transformation of Teaching and Learning, where panelists explored how intelligent technologies are redefining curriculum design, assessment, and accessibility. The discussion featured Norman Eng, EdD, Professor of Education at Brooklyn College, Padmanabha Ramanujam, Dean of Office of Academic Governance at O.P. Jindal Global University, and Michael Wagner, professor and head of digital media department at Drexel University, and was moderated by David Sachs, professor of information systems at Pace’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems and co-chair of Pace University’s AI Committee.
Institutional responsibility took center stage during Governance, Ethics, and the Future of the AI-Enabled University, a panel examining data governance, regulatory considerations, and leadership accountability. The discussion featured Ashwin Fernandes, vice president at QS Quacquarelli Symonds; Ericka Watson, principal and CEO of Data Strategy Advisors, LLC; and Jim Russell, CIO and vice president for digital strategy and planning at Manhattanville University, and was moderated by Li-Chiou Chen, PhD, interim dean of Pace’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.
“You can’t manage what you can’t see,” said Watson. “Institutions need clear visibility into what AI tools are being used, how they are being used, and by whom. Before you can govern AI, you need to understand your risk, what tools are in use and whether the right frameworks are in place to manage them.”
Throughout the day, speakers addressed issues including academic integrity, data governance, accessibility, and workforce transformation, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into higher education. The event was also attended by Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York.
“Convenings like Intelligent Futures show the importance of bringing together diverse global perspectives to tackle complex challenges,” said President Krislov. “At Pace, we are committed to advancing AI literacy, fostering responsible innovation, and preparing our students to lead in an AI-enabled world.”
The conference also created space for networking and cross-sector dialogue, reinforcing Pace University’s role as a hub for global conversations at the intersection of technology, education, and society. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape higher education, initiatives like the new bachelor of science in artificial intelligence (AI), set to launch in fall 2026, reflect the university’s ongoing commitment to innovation, expanded academic offerings, and student success in an AI-driven world.
Founded in 1906 and celebrating 120 years of preparing students for success in 2026, Pace University pairs real-life learning with strong academics to launch meaningful careers. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace serves 13,600 students across a range of bachelor, master, and doctoral programs through the College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.
The Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University is a leading institute of technology education. Students experience a dynamic and expansive technology education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. One of the first comprehensive schools of computing in the nation, the Seidenberg School is strategically located in the heart of NYC’s tech scene, right on the doorstep of New York’s most promising companies. With access to established tech giants and exciting new start-ups from both the New York City and the Westchester campus, Seidenberg offers the opportunity to connect, intern with, and enjoy lucrative tech jobs following graduation. Through partnerships with leading tech firms, banks, federal agencies, and global institutions, the school’s curricula and programs are designed to ground students in the fundamentals while offering numerous hands-on experiential learning opportunities. The faculty includes numerous experts in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, game development, software engineering, and much more, who operate labs and centers providing students with practical experience and connections that lead to impressive internships and jobs.
Christelle Scharff, PhD, professor of computer science in the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University, has received a Fulbright Specialist Program award from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
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