LSU College of Engineering’s Division of Computer Science and Engineering Assembles All-Star Team as Advisory Board

The LSU College of Engineering's Division of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) has assembled an all-star team of industry leaders and innovators to form its new advisory board. This distinguished group brings a wealth of experience, strategic vision, and technical expertise that will undoubtedly shape the future of the division, enhancing its reputation and impact on the national stage.

The formation of this elite board marks a pivotal moment for CSE. With members hailing from diverse backgrounds in entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, software development, and business leadership, the board is poised to drive the division toward greater success. These leaders have a deep commitment to education, technological advancement, and workforce development—elements that will directly benefit LSU’s students, faculty, and research initiatives.

One of the key advantages of having such a highly accomplished board is its ability to provide strategic direction and mentorship to students and faculty. Board members will play an instrumental role in expanding industry partnerships, fostering cutting-edge research opportunities, and ensuring that LSU’s computer science curriculum remains at the forefront of technological innovation. Moreover, their influence and connections will strengthen fundraising initiatives, securing resources that will further the division’s growth and prominence.

The newly appointed board members are as follows:

• Alexander “Lex” Adams: Lex is a technology entrepreneur specializing in software development and cybersecurity. He leads Vigilus, a tech agency that builds innovative web and mobile applications for disruptive businesses while fortifying critical infrastructure with advanced cybersecurity solutions. He also heads Griffin Games, a studio dedicated to crafting immersive party game experiences. As an LSU Computer Science graduate, Lex combines technical expertise with a passion for building transformative digital solutions that drive innovation across industries.
• Chris M. Meaux: A visionary entrepreneur, Chris founded Waitr Holdings, Inc., growing it into a billion-dollar enterprise. Building on his success, Meaux has co-founded QiMana, an AI-driven startup accelerator, with the goal of "revolutionizing entrepreneurship." QiMana's flagship product, Solomon, combines AI technology with human mentorship to offer entrepreneurs personalized guidance from experienced business leaders. This platform aims to bridge the gap between business ideation and success by providing access to the people, resources, and wisdom necessary for startups to thrive.
• Alaina Metz Smith: With over 35 years of experience in information technology leadership, Alaina served in executive roles at Chevron, overseeing global IT project delivery and large-scale system implementations. She is also an active supporter of LSU, serving on the LSU Foundation National Board and investing in scholarship endowments to support future generations of students.
• Craig A. Stevens: A decorated military veteran and business leader who served in the Air Force for 25 years before transitioning into corporate leadership. As President of Genesis 360, a rapidly growing construction, maintenance, and IT services company, he has led the firm to significant milestones, including the acquisition of Lafayette-based MEAD Heavy Civil, enhancing their capabilities in large-scale infrastructure projects. Under his leadership, Genesis 360 achieved a record $26 million in revenue in 2023, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list for the second consecutive year. Stevens aims to evolve the company from a multimillion-dollar enterprise to a multibillion-dollar one by 2033.
• Mohit “Mo” Vij: Mo is a recognized entrepreneur and technology visionary, known for his contributions to Louisiana’s tech industry. He was named the "Champion of Louisiana" by the LWCC and was the inaugural recipient of the LSU CSE Hall of Distinction Eye of the Tiger Innovator Award. As a serial entrepreneur, Mo founded General Informatics, which was named "Company of the Year" by Baton Rouge Business Report in 2017. Microsoft recognized General Informatics' solutions as "Best in Nation" from a competitive pool of 6,000 IT companies. The company has also been featured four times in Inc. Magazine’s list of the fastest-growing companies in America and has appeared five times on the LSU Top 100 list of fastest-growing businesses. Mo later founded 365Labs, a company focused on developing next-generation public safety technology. Inc. Magazine ranked 365Labs among the 20 fastest-growing software companies in America, and in 2024, it was named Baton Rouge’s "Company of the Year." Beyond his business ventures, Mo is committed to advancing Louisiana’s tech ecosystem. He is leading the development of a state-of-the-art Tech/Lifestyle campus in Baton Rouge, aiming to position Louisiana as a national tech hub on par with Silicon Valley. His companies continue to be recognized nationally for their innovation, impact, and rapid growth.

Beyond their impressive individual achievements, these board members share a collective vision for elevating LSU’s CSE division to national prominence. Their leadership will not only enhance the academic and research landscape but also create new pathways for students to engage with industry leaders, secure internships, and gain real-world experience. By leveraging their expertise and networks, the board will play a crucial role in shaping a future where LSU stands as a hub for innovation in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software engineering.

The board’s first meeting, hosted by Mo Vij at 365Labs, laid the groundwork for ambitious initiatives, including a philanthropic strategy themed “CS Reboot” that emphasizes AI, cybersecurity, and safety. Members expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the department’s progress, with several already hiring LSU students for key roles in their organizations. This active engagement underscores the board’s commitment to fostering talent and ensuring that LSU remains a top destination for aspiring computer scientists.

Reflecting on the significance of this milestone, CSE Division Chair Ibrahim Baggili stated, “We are honored to have such an esteemed board for CSE and grateful for their support. Their leadership and expertise will help us elevate the division by taking tangible steps to expand our program’s visibility, strengthen our strategy, and bolster fundraising initiatives. Moreover, adding these members to our team will undoubtedly help us continue building teams that win!”

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