Jeffrey Bardzell, who was appointed as UNC’s chief artificial intelligence officer and vice provost for AI in October, will depart the university after accepting a new role at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 

Bardzell previously served as the dean of UNC’s School of Information and Library Science (SILS), which the university announced it will combine with the School of Data Science and Society (SDSS) into a new entity focused on information technologies such as generative AI. As a part of the October 2025 announcement, UNC said Bardzell would take on a new role as “chief Artificial Intelligence Office and Vice Provost for AI,” a university-wide position, alongside his deanship.

At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, located in Worcester, MA, he will serve as the Peterson Family Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. According to UNC’s release, he will transition to this new role at the beginning of May.

“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.” 

Bardzell first took on the role of dean of the SILS in 2024, which he was initially slated to continue as alongside his new university-wide position. However, in November 2025, following October’s AI school announcement, UNC said Diane Kelly would serve as interim dean at the SILS, filling the role until July 2026 as the school works to combine operations with the SDSS. 

“Bardzell has played a central role in advancing the University’s vision for artificial intelligence as a force for teaching, learning and public impact,” the university’s release read. “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.”

In the meantime, Bardzell will still co-chair UNC’s first “AI for Public Good Conference” on Apr. 13 at the Friday Center. The university has yet to confirm a timeline on the new school’s opening, and said in the meantime it will search for an interim vice provost for artificial intelligence and chief AI officer.

 

Featured image via UNC’s School of Information and Library Science

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