In June 2025, the School of Economics, Finance and Accounting (EFA) at Coventry University hosted a dynamic three-day training programme titled “AI and Its Application for Leadership in Higher Education”. This initiative brought together academic leaders, digital innovators, and educational practitioners to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies can reshape leadership and learning in higher education.
Day 1 opened with a warm welcome and campus tour led by Dr Tri Nguyen, Dr Prabhu Udawatte (Head of School), and Dr Piotr Lis (Deputy Head of School). This introductory session set the tone for a collaborative and forward-thinking event, offering participants the opportunity to connect with the School’s leadership and gain insights into EFA’s strategic direction.
Dr George Akomas (author of Leading in the Age of AI: The Leader’s Playbook) delivered “AI for Leadership”. He provided a compelling overview of how AI is transforming decision-making, communication, and strategic planning in academic institutions. Dr Akomas ended by challenging participants to rethink traditional leadership models and embrace data-driven, adaptive approaches.
During Day 2, the focus shifted to Coventry University’s digital infrastructure. Dr Suiwu Xiao (EFA’s eLearning Lead) and Dal Badesha (Head of Learning Resources and Student Experience) co-facilitated the session “The Digital Ecosystem at Coventry University”. This highlighted the university’s integrated platforms and tools that support teaching, learning, and student engagement. Dr Xiao then delivered “AI for Productivity” which explored practical applications of AI in academic workflows—from automating administrative tasks to enhancing research efficiency.
The day concluded with a hands-on “Trading Floor Experience” led by Dr Alain Wouassom which offered participants a glimpse into real-time financial simulations.
The final day pushed the boundaries of immersive learning. Steven Williams (Education Technology team) guided participants through “Virtual Reality for Education”. This hands-on experience demonstrated how VR can create engaging and experiential learning environments.
The final session of Day 3, led by Dr George Akomas, invited participants to reflect on the week’s insights and present their own ideas for integrating technology into higher education leadership. The programme concluded with a ceremony led by Dr Prabhu Udawatte, celebrating the participants’ commitment to innovation and professional development.
This transformative training in AI exemplifies EFA’s dedication to equipping its academic community with the tools and mindsets needed to lead in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. As AI continues to reshape higher education, initiatives like this ensure that Coventry University remains at the forefront of digital transformation. this ensure that Coventry University remains at the forefront of digital transformation.