Shaping the Future of Artificial Intelligence, Cyber, Computing, and Data Science at UTSA

At UTSA, we're pioneering the future with an ambitious initiative that aims to redefine the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, computing, and data science. The university’s leadership in these critical areas is driven by strategic goals to achieve national recognition as a great public research university that is future-oriented, urban-serving and highly diverse.

Opportunity

UTSA is an early adopter of cutting-edge disciplines, as evidenced by the launch of its School of Data Science in 2018—one of only three such schools in the nation. To facilitate growth, UTSA built a new home for the school in downtown San Antonio—San Pedro I—creating a vibrant core that crosses multiple colleges. UTSA has grown that core to more than 1,000 students and researchers as well as created space for hosting national industry competitions and conferences to elevate the university’s reputation.

Now, as opportunity and interest in these fields increase, so are UTSA’s efforts. A new college focused on AI, cyber, computing and data science will meet these evolving needs, as well focus and amplify existing academic programs:

• Artificial intelligence
• Applied statistics
• Computer engineering
• Computer science
• Cybersecurity
• Data analytics
• Statistics and data science

Through this initiative, the university will establish a cutting-edge college, harnessing the exponential growth in these fields to propel our students and researchers into a future of limitless possibilities:

• Better prepare students for the evolving landscape of these fields.
• Increase visibility and synergies among programs
• Leverage expansion opportunities in downtown San Antonio, solidifying UTSA's presence in San Pedro I and II

1. Consider the landscape of UTSA student interests, regional, state, and national workforce needs and partnering opportunities, and multidisciplinary research opportunities related to AI, cyber, computing and data science — from science to policy
2. Recommend a college organizational structure that aligns AI, cyber, computing and data science related programs to enhance student success, career readiness and partnering opportunities, transdisciplinary research and funding competitiveness.

January 2024: Initiative launch.

January–March 2024: (Phase 1) Data gathering. Subcommittees will compile an inventory of existing programs, gather data on related scholarship, hold focus groups, and explore best practices at peer institutions.

April–May 2024: (Phase II) Recommendations. Task Force will translate findings into multiple options for a new college structure, subject to review and discussion by the campus community.

June 2024: The Task Force will deliver its final report outlining specific recommendations for a new organizational structure to enhance student success, career readiness, and transdisciplinary research.

Fall 2024: (Phase III) Discussion with potentially impacted faculty and other stakeholders based on outcomes of Phases I & II

Have a question, comment, or feedback for this Task Force? Use the form below (UTSA login required), or email provost@utsa.edu.   You're also welcome to speak with task force members to share your input.