Dr. Jeff Leegon’s interest in artificial intelligence began years before the technology began to capture widespread public attention. The recent graduate of Trevecca’s doctorate in business administration was first introduced to AI as an undergraduate student at the University of Birmingham in England.
“I remember taking a neural networks course and thinking it was so cool,” he said. “It was before AI was as popular as it is now. The idea of connecting fake neurons in a way that could learn patterns became the foundation for Chat GPT and similar tools. I was fascinated.”
He then went on to complete two master’s degrees, one in AI and another in clinical informatics, before deciding to pursue a DBA.
“I had reached a point in my career where I realized I needed more business skills,” Leegon said. “I wanted to find something more focused on research and business strategy.”
Leegon serves as the clinical informatics expert at a capacity core laboratory operated through Meharry Medical College Research Centers, providing, developing and guiding requirements for the use of clinical data in research initiatives and ensuring data integrity for clinical research projects.
The DBA has given him the space to refine his business acumen while increasing his expertise in AI. He earned his doctorate in December 2024 after completing his dissertation in the adoption of artificial intelligence in microenterprises and small businesses.
Through his research, he interviewed numerous business owners to understand their concerns and expectations related to AI, with a goal of helping to shape the future of technology efficiency in small businesses. He’s also considering consulting for microenterprises to help them integrate AI efficiently into their operations.
While in the DBA program, Leegon had to balance his doctoral work with exciting life changes, including adopting a child. The challenge and effort required for his education was part of what made the degree meaningful for him.
“The DBA is definitely a lot of work. It’s not a rubber-stamp degree,” Leegon said. “But the faculty wants you to finish. Everyone wants to see you succeed.”
One of the most significant aspects of his education in the DBA program was a more positive perspective on the role of business in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors.
“At first, I thought business was all about making money, but the DBA taught me that business is really about stewardship. It’s about using resources wisely, whether that’s grant dollars or your team’s time,” he said.
In addition to the technical knowledge Leegon received, he was impacted by the integration of a faith-based perspective in his classes as well as weekly devotionals that challenged him to think about the intersection of leadership and his faith.
“Leading well is not just about making money or the bottom line. It's also about treating your employees in a dignified way, with a Christlike mentality and being a good steward of your resources,” Leegon said. “Not all businesses are going to have a faith component, but the DBA reorients your priorities and makes sure you're leading in a way that aligns with your value system.”
Along with a strong sense of community within his cohort, Leegon sees how he can take his learning anywhere he goes to better his field as a business-savvy and research-focused leader.
“I was surprised at how well our cohort connected despite being in an online program. It felt like we were all in it together,” Leegon said. “Having earned my degree, I’m really passionate about leading well. So I hope in whatever I'm doing, I’ll be able to use that business mindset for efficiency and stewardship that makes an impact.”