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

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
UNC Combining Library Science, Data Science Schools Into New Entity
The two schools will be combined into a new entity focused on information technologies such as generative AI.
'It's All In How You Use The Tool': The Academic Use of AI at UNC
Fear about job prospects was the main finding in a survey of 43 undergraduate students at the Hussman School of Journalism and Media about their feelings and use of generative AI.
'Welcome to the SHIRE': New UNC Program Uses AI to Study Medical Data, Without Violating Patient Privacy
A new AI-based program called the SHIRE is enabling UNC researchers to analyze mountains of medical data - without privacy violations.
On Air Today: 'AI For Public Good' with UNC's Penny Gordon-Larsen and Emily Pfaff
Monday, April 13, UNC is bringing together national AI leaders for an all-day conference at the Friday Center called "AI For Public Good."
AI Is Giving Bad Advice to Flatter Its Users, Says New Study on Dangers of Overly Agreeable Chatbots
Artificial intelligence chatbots are so prone to validating their human users that they are reinforcing harmful behaviors, a new study says.
Local Higher Ed Leaders Discuss Adjusting to Workforce 'Uncertainties' Created by Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence was a common thread through 97.9 The Hill's Forum On The Hill panels with local collegiate leaders, as they discussed how to best marry the traditional role of education with preparing college students to potentially be met with AI as they enter the workforce.
UNC Names Magnus Egerstedt of UC-Irvine as Next Provost; Will Begin Role in March
UNC announced its selection of its next provost and executive vice chancellor on Wednesday morning: Magnus Egerstedt, who currently serves as the Dean of Engineering in the Henry Samueli School of Engineering at the University of California, Irvine. The university shared Egerstedt’s appointment in a release, concluding a search that began shortly after prior provost […]
'We Want Them To Feel Welcome': A Conversation with UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts, Part 2
UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts shares his thoughts on tenure delays, student visas, Bill Belichick, and the future of the Smith Center.
'It's Natural To Be Unsettled': A Conversation with UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts, Part 1
UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts shares his thoughts on federal funding cuts, academic freedom, and the public role of higher education.
UNC Provost and Chief Academic Officer Chris Clemens Stepping Down in May
UNC provost and chief academic officer Chris Clemens will step down from his role on May 16, chancellor Lee Roberts announced Thursday afternoon. Clemens will return to his position as the Jaroslav Folda Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy, a role he served before becoming provost in 2021. “For more than three years, Chris has […]
›