Learn from our experts.
Learn about the skills that can make a difference in your career.
The School of Business and Technology at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is excited to introduce a new live online speaker series focused on personal and professional development.
When: Monthly on Wednesdays at 12 p.m.
Where: Online
Join us for these short, impactful seminars designed to provide practical takeaways to help you build your skills and advance your career. There is a short Q&A following to ask questions and gain more insights from our experts and thought leaders.
This series is open to all members of the Saint Mary’s community and anyone interested in learning more about these relevant topics and exploring programs we offer to further or jumpstart your career.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, grow, and connect.
Speaker Schedule
Register today for one or more of our upcoming webinars. Once you register, you’ll receive a link to the presentation.
How AI Enhances Project Management
This webinar will explore how AI is being integrated into project management, including developing schedules, budgets, risk, and quality. We will also examine various AI tools and their integration into projects. Lastly, we’ll take a look at the future of AI in project management and where it is heading.
Presenter: Bill Johnson
Date: Oct. 15
Time 12 p.m.
Bill Johnson is the Program Director and Assistant Professor for the Graduate Programs in Project Management at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. He has ensured the program is up to date with the most current program materials, integrating the latest edition of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) into the curriculum and overseeing its accreditation with PMI-GAC (Project Management Institute -Global Accreditation Committee.) He also serves on the PMI-GAC accreditation committee, reviewing other universities’ programs, and is a project management instructor for the US Navy. Previously, he was a project and program manager for various governmental agencies and the American Rhodes Trust. The PMI College of Performance Management awarded him the Gaylord E. Christle Award for his commitment to the project management industry.
Evolving Essentials of the Data Science and AI Industry
Join us for an engaging webinar exploring the evolving world of Data Science, where we’ll dive into the essentials within the field, trends, and career opportunities driving this data-driven era. We’ll also touch on how Artificial Intelligence is enhancing data science practices — from predictive modeling to automated insights. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to sharpen your edge, this session offers valuable perspectives on the future of Data Science and AI disciplines.
Presenter: John Ebert
Date: Nov. 19
Time 12 p.m.
Dr. Ebert is a core professor and program director at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and directs the M.S. in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics (DIGA) and M.S. in Cybersecurity programs. He also oversees the GIS Certificate and Data Engineering Certificate programs as well as the Cybersecurity Management and Cybersecurity Technology Certificate Programs and technology surrounding those fields including artificial intelligence and machine learning. He has nearly 20 years of applied experience in higher education, government, technology, data, and analytic-related fields and serves as an appointed Land Information Committee member in local government. Prior to his time at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, he worked in local government IT management and geospatial technology overseeing the resource conservation and land information departments. He collaborates with regional organizations and national companies including the Mayo Clinic, RetailStat, Allina Health, Artic Wolf, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – US Secret Service, the Defense Alliance, and has presented research at Google Headquarters as well as the MN GIS/LIS Consortium, Mid-West GeoCON, and a number of local podcasts. In addition, he serves as a regular content contributor panelist for cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) content hosted by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and has presented several keynote presentations at local and national levels and co-authored research in Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity. He has received numerous grants spanning government initiatives and IT/technology research and is responsible for program administration, technology implementation, developing contracts, fiscal monitoring, grant/research, program accreditation, student research, and facilitating and teaching and learning objectives in the fields of analytics, cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, data engineering, and GIS technology. He also serves as the chair of the rank and promotion committee at Saint Mary’s University and has served on curriculum, assessment, and policy committees as well as is on the higher education board of the MN GIS/LIS Consortium. Dr. Ebert holds a Bachelor of Science in Hydrogeology from Winona State University, a Master of Science in Resource Analysis from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Flexible programs for professionals.
We help busy professionals gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in 21st-century business and technology. As a leader in adult education, Saint Mary’s School of Business and Technology develops ethical leaders ready to adapt, lead, and shape the future. Whether it’s at a Fortune 500 company, a non-profit, or a start-up, start here — and go further.
Don’t miss a thing.
Couldn’t attend one of our Speaker Series presentations? Watch one of our previous presentations on your own time to learn more from our experts.
Speaker Series Archive
Unlocking the Future: AI Applications in Human Resource Management
Presenter: Dr. Matt Bluem, SHRM-SCP is the director of the M.A. in Human Resource Management and M.A. in Organizational Leadership
Wednesday, September 17
This presentation explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of human resource management, enabling HR departments to automate repetitive tasks, identify and recruit top talent more efficiently, personalize employee engagement, and improve retention strategies. Through practical examples, attendees will discover how leveraging AI can enhance decision-making and deliver more strategic HR outcomes, freeing professionals to focus on high-value activities that drive organizational success.
Unlocking Success in IT Project Management: Key Roles, Career Outlook, and the New MS Program
Presenter: Bill Johnson, Program Director and Assistant Professor in Project Management
Wednesday, May 28
Bill Johnson is the Program Director and Assistant Professor for the Graduate Programs in Project Management at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. He has ensured the program is up to date with the most current program materials, integrating the latest edition of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) into the curriculum and overseeing its accreditation with PMI-GAC (Project Management Institute -Global Accreditation Committee.) He also serves on the PMI-GAC accreditation committee, reviewing other universities’ programs, and is a project management instructor for the US Navy. Previously, he was a project and program manager for various governmental agencies and the American Rhodes Trust. The PMI College of Performance Management awarded him the Gaylord E. Christle Award for his commitment to the project management industry.
AI Yourself! A Discussion on Continued Professional Development Strategies
Presenter: Alisa DiSalvo, Program Director of M.A. and B.S Accounting Associate and Professor of Accounting & Finance
Wednesday, Feb. 26
Alisa’s background in business, education, and consulting demonstrates her deep expertise in a wide range of fields, making her highly versatile in both academic and corporate environments. Her leadership roles in instructional design and data analytics further highlight her forward-thinking approach to new business development and professional development.
The Science of Well-Being
Presenter: Paul Kotz, Doctorate of Business Administration Program Director and Doctorate of Education in Leadership Program Director
Wednesday, March 26
Dr. Kotz is the director for the Doctorate of Business Administration program and Doctorate in Educational Leadership program at Saint Mary’s and is a thirty four year career educator with education and business expertise. This includes working with high school, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in the areas of management, leadership, operations, strategy, statistical analysis and doctoral research preparation.
Exploring Entrepreneurship — The Myths vs The Realities
Presenter: Mary Jacobs, Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and MBA Program Director
Wednesday, April 30
Mary Jacobs, MA is the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and MBA Program Director for the School of Business and Technology. She has been teaching entrepreneurship for more than 15 years and has been involved in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Twin Cities with her own business and facilitating classes for SCORE and Collider in Rochester.