Jeffrey Bardzell to continue academic leadership at WPI

At Carolina, Jeffrey Bardzell served as dean of the School of Information and Library Science before being named vice provost for AI and chief AI officer. (Submitted Photo)

An internationally recognized scholar and academic leader, Jeffrey Bardzell, vice provost for artificial intelligence and chief artificial intelligence officer, has been named Peterson Family Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Bardzell will transition to this new role at the end of May, returning to a deanship that aligns closely with his long-standing passion for interdisciplinary scholarship, aligning academic programs with emerging societal needs, and the development of academic communities.

Since joining Carolina in 2024, Bardzell has played a central role in advancing the University’s vision for artificial intelligence as a force for teaching, learning, and public impact. He helped shape and lead AI for Public Good, a framework that positions Carolina at the forefront of responsible, mission-driven AI innovation, while fostering collaboration across schools and units.

He is also co-chairing the University’s inaugural AI for Public Good Conference, which will bring together leaders from academia, industry, government and the arts to explore how AI can be developed and applied in ways that serve society. The event will be hosted at the Friday Center in Chapel Hill, on April 13th.

“Carolina is immensely grateful for Jeff’s leadership and service. His insight and commitment to our mission will leave a lasting impact on our University,” said Provost Magnus Egerstedt. “As both a dean and as vice provost for artificial intelligence and chief AI officer, he helped shape important conversations about how our institution can lead responsibly in a rapidly changing landscape. We wish him the best as he heads to Worcester Polytechnic Institute later this year.”

Prior to his current role, Bardzell served as dean of the UNC School of Information and Library Science, one of the nation’s top-ranked schools. He also helped shape the University’s broader data science ecosystem, contributing to the development of the new School of Data and Information Sciences and strengthening Carolina’s leadership in interdisciplinary research.

A scholar whose work spans creativity, design research, Human-Computer Interaction and AI, Bardzell has led or co-led more than $4 million in externally funded research and has received numerous awards for excellence in teaching, research and service.

The Provost’s Office is working to identify an interim vice provost for artificial intelligence and chief AI officer to continue Bardzell’s important work.