The University of North Texas is getting a $20 million boost for artificial intelligence and data work as universities continue figuring out what AI should look like on campus.
The money from Anuradha and Vikas Sinha will support the University of North Texas’ new Anuradha and Vikas Sinha College of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics, according to the university. UNT said the college will focus on the development, application and responsible use of artificial intelligence, intelligent systems and data analytics.
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The college is working with UNT’s Office of the Provost to organize its academic programs into two divisions focused on applied intelligence, informatics, information science and learning technologies.
“Artificial intelligence will be one of the defining technologies of our generation, and universities have an essential role to play in preparing the people who will shape its future,” Vikas Sinha said. “What excites us about UNT’s vision is that this college will go beyond teaching students how to use AI.”
UNT also plans to create the Applied Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Institute, which will connect AI and analytics research and education across the university and support interdisciplinary research, shared infrastructure, external research funding and industry partnerships.
The $20 million gift will also create six permanent endowments supporting college leadership, student scholarships, endowed professorships, entrepreneurship and incubation, advanced research and emerging technologies.
Vikas Sinha earned his Ph.D. in information science with a concentration in data science from UNT in 2023. The Sinhas previously gave gifts to establish the Anuradha and Vikas Sinha Department of Data Science and the Sinha Innovation Lab for Data Science, according to the university.
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The announcement comes as AI continues to move deeper into schools and classrooms. The Associated Press recently reported that more public schools are teaching AI literacy, including how to spot chatbot flaws instead of simply banning the tools.
The college will bring together programs tied to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, advanced data analytics, health informatics, information science, library science and learning technologies. UNT said it also will serve as a university-wide hub for AI and analytics research and education, connecting faculty and students across disciplines.
“Education has opened doors for us throughout our lives, and we want to hold those doors open for others,” Vikas Sinha added.
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