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, 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
‹
Former UNC Athlete Talbott Dead of Cancer at 75
Danny Talbott, a two-sport athlete at the University of North Carolina and member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, has died after a long battle with cancer. He was 75. Media outlets report that Talbott died Sunday morning at his home in Rocky Mount. Talbott played varsity baseball and football for the Tar […]
UNC - Chapel Hill Monitoring Bill that would Allow Alcohol Sales at Athletics Events
A bill that would allow alcohol to be sold at athletics events on campuses across the UNC System is awaiting the governor’s signature to become law. And UNC – Chapel Hill officials appear eager to see its approval. The North Carolina House overwhelmingly voted this week to approve the Senate version of the bill. Advocates […]
At UNC, The Science Of Basketball
UNC hosts its Basketball Analytics summit this weekend.
Judge Dismisses Student-Athlete Lawsuit Against UNC
A Mecklenburg County judge has dismissed a lawsuit in which two former University of North Carolina athletes alleged the school failed to provide them and other athletes a quality education by directing them toward sham classes. Superior Court Judge Richard Ervin cited arguments by attorneys representing UNC that said both the statute of limitations and […]
UNC AD Cunningham Receives 10% Salary Hike
Nine UNC administrators were given raises by the university Board of Trustees during the meeting on Thursday. Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham received the biggest raise to $642,268, a $58,388 bump – which is a 10 percent increase over his previous salary. The raises were part of the consent agenda at the full board meeting after […]
Another Lawsuit Filed Against UNC by Former Student Athletes
Another lawsuit has been filed alleging UNC did not provide a proper college education to its student athletes. A class action lawsuit was filed in Durham County on Thursday afternoon. WCHL’s Blake Hodge spoke with Attorney Bob Orr who filed the suit. You can listen to that interview here.
Temporary Process To Report Suspicious Academic Activities Unveiled
Plates were full for administrators, faculty, and students at UNC this holiday season, with commencement, final exams, and reviews from the UNC System Board of Governors. There was certainly a lot to cover on Friday, and Chancellor Folt made an effort to touch on everything in front of the Faculty Council. She encouraged as many […]
Chancellor Folt Involved In Hairston Discussion
UNC Chancellor Carol Folt says the big decisions about athletics that ultimately affect the University come down to the chancellor.
Chansky's Notebook: You're a Good Man, Hubert Davis
The ugliness and awkwardness of Hubert Davis’ exit from the UNC men's basketball program should not overshadow the man he is.
UNC's Announces Departure Of Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, Seeks Replacement
Jeffrey Bardzell, who was appointed as UNC’s chief artificial intelligence officer and vice provost for AI, will depart the university.
›