Resources & Special Projects

College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing

In alignment with the University of South Florida’s strategic plan, we are committed to delivering a world-class educational experience, conducting impactful research and serving as a leader in innovation to address society’s critical challenges. On March 21, USF announced its intention to establish a college focused on the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and computing.

In recent months, an internal task force with faculty representation was convened to evaluate the university’s strengths already in place and explore opportunities to enhance collaboration that helps advances USF’s academic and research excellence in AI, cybersecurity and computing. 

The vision for this new college is to offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs that prepare USF students for high-demand careers, empower faculty to conduct scholarly research that leads to groundbreaking discoveries and technological advancements, grow industry partnerships, and promote ethical considerations and trust throughout the digital transformation underway in our world.

Taskforce Members

  • Yael Bensoussan, Assistant Professor, Morsani College of Medicine
  • Randy Borum, Professor, Director, School of Information, Director of Intelligence Studies
  • Kathy Bradley-Klug, Professor and Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and Faculty Affairs, College of Education
  • George Burruss, Professor and Associate Chair, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences
  • Sriram Chellappan, Professor and Undergraduate Program Coordinator for Cybersecurity, College of Engineering
  • Barnali Dixon, Professor and Executive Director, iCAR & Director, Geospatial Analytics Lab, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Kaushik Dutta, Professor, Associate Dean of Undergraduate and International Relations, and Interim Director, School of Information Systems and Management, Muma College of Business
  • Chris Ferekides, Professor and Department Chair, College of Engineering
  • Rasim Guldiken, Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering
  • Alan Hevner, Distinguished University Professor, Eminent Scholar, Muma College of Business
  • Giti Javidi, Professor, Muma College of Business
  • (Co-Chair) Pritish Mukherjee, Vice Provost for Strategy, Institutional Excellence, and Faculty Success; Professor, College of Arts and Sciences
  • (Chair) Sudeep Sarkar, Distinguished University Professor and Department Chair, College of Engineering 

FAQs

What is the timeline for this initiative? 

The task force has been convened and will provide an initial report in late spring. Ideally, this college would launch in the fall of 2025; however, several steps in our shared governance process must be completed first.

Will this college be on all three campuses? 

The new college presents a unique opportunity to leverage the expertise from all three campuses of the University of South Florida. This collaboration will bring together the best minds from across the university to create a truly interdisciplinary center of excellence in AI, cybersecurity and computing education and research. We can position Florida as a global leader in these fields by harnessing the collective knowledge and experience of our faculty, staff, and students.

What is the scope of the task force? 

The task force is exploring the idea of implementing a new college focused on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and computing. Further faculty involvement from a broader group of stakeholders will be gathered as these discussions continue. 

Is there an academic plan for the college? 

Given the college's focus, we would expect a range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, in addition to certificate and continuing education options. 

Will there be a new dean? 

At this stage, the task force is still gathering information and evaluating options for the structure of this college. 

How will Cyber Florida be involved with the new college? 

Cyber Florida is a critical partner to USF and the entire state. The college will continue USF’s rich tradition of partnering with Cyber Florida to advance cybersecurity education, research, and engagement across the state.  

How can I share my feedback about this initiative? 

You can send an email to aicybercomputing@usf.edu with your comments and feedback.