Founding Dean, College of AI, Cyber and Computing

Location: San Antonio, TX
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job ID: 14093
Full/Part Time: Full Time

Position Information

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) invites nominations, expressions of interest, and applications for the position of Founding Dean, College of AI, Cyber and Computing. The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to contribute to the evolution of the newly established college and inspire faculty, staff, and students to leverage CAICC's full potential and redefine the landscape of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computing, and data science.

The College of AI, Cyber and Computing

This fall, UTSA will launch the College of AI, Cyber and Computing (CAICC), advancing the university's strategic vision to integrate emerging technologies with interdisciplinary approaches to shape the future of education and research. Situated at UTSA's Downtown Campus in San Pedro I and San Pedro II (opening in 2026), the College will expand UTSA's role as a cornerstone of San Antonio's tech ecosystem. It is expected that CAICC will serve as a dynamic hub for education and research while deepening UTSA's connections with industry and government partners.

CAICC has four specialized departments, structured to maximize current expertise and collaboration across computer science, computer engineering, information systems and cyber security, and statistics and data science. These departments will collectively oversee a robust portfolio of undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers while advancing UTSA's role as a research powerhouse. AI and machine learning will be embedded into each discipline through specialized coursework and programs.

• The Department of Computer Science will combine the university's existing degrees in computer science and a newly approved undergraduate program in software engineering, also scheduled to launch in fall 2025.
• The Department of Computer Engineering will bridge software and hardware and offer degrees in computer engineering and artificial intelligence.
• The Department of Information Systems and Cybersecurity will offer programs that adapt to rapid changes in technology and meet the needs of students and employers in information systems and cyber security topics.
• The Department of Statistics and Data Science will drive innovation in data-driven decision-making and produce highly skilled professionals and researchers in data science and analytics.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Founding Dean of the College of Artificial Intelligence, Cyber and Computing will serve as the chief operating and academic officer of the College and will provide dynamic and visionary leadership to build upon UTSA's strengths and champion innovative and transformational practices that enhance the academic experience of students and faculty.

UTSA is enjoying a time of transformation and innovation in its pursuit of academic excellence, student success, research growth, and community impact. The Founding Dean must serve as a passionate advocate for these ideals, working in collaboration with university stakeholders to launch CAICC as a cutting-edge college, harnessing the exponential demand and growth in AI, cybersecurity, and computing while propelling students, faculty, and researchers into a future of limitless possibilities.

College leadership is taking shape ahead of CAICC's launch in August 2025. An Interim Dean has been appointed to help guide the College through its formative stages and support early planning efforts during the search for a Founding Dean. Department chairs have also been named, and the appointment of Associate Deans is currently underway. UTSA is committed to engaging with campus and community partners to ensure CAICC's programs, partnerships, and initiatives reflect shared priorities and needs as the College continues to develop.

Qualifications and Key Attributes

The successful candidate will possess:

• An earned doctorate/terminal degree in a discipline represented in CAICC from an accredited university
• An outstanding record of scholarly achievement and international reputation commensurate with appointment as full professor in one of the departments in the College.
• A deep resonance with UTSA's core values and to the personal and educational enrichment of its faculty, staff, and students.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to serve as a highly effective listener and communicator with both academic and non-academic audiences, and an ability to address challenges.
• A demonstrated record of supporting interdisciplinary collaborations and working across the wide range of academic disciplines represented in the College and across the University.
• An enterprising mindset that will capitalize on San Antonio's unique urban environment that promotes engagement and partnership opportunities with the business and civic community.
• Administrative and/or leadership experience in a research university with strong integrity, organizational and consensus-building skills, and the ability to inspire faculty, staff, and students in a culture of shared governance and transparency.
• Solid financial acumen and proven abilities in academic budgeting and financial management.
• A clear understanding of leading-edge methods and instructional technologies to support teaching and learning in a large, urban university.
• A proven record of supporting student success (undergraduate and graduate) and a record of success improving student outcomes through teaching, student services, high-impact practices, and/or retention initiatives.
• A record of success in recruiting and retaining talented faculty and staff.