SAN ANTONIO, TX – November 25, 2025 – The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) today announced a landmark appointment that solidifies its position at the forefront of technological innovation: Dr. Jinjun Xiong has been named the inaugural dean of its newly established College of AI, Cyber and Computing. This pivotal announcement, made on the very day of November 25, 2025, marks a significant milestone following the college's formal launch on September 1, 2025, with classes having commenced this Fall. The new college represents a strategic and forward-thinking integration of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computing, and data science into a unified academic powerhouse.
The establishment of this "first-of-its-kind" college, coupled with Dr. Xiong's leadership, signals UTSA's unwavering commitment to addressing the escalating global demand for a skilled workforce in these critical sectors. With projections anticipating over 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the college is poised to become a vital pipeline for talent and a hub for groundbreaking research, further cementing San Antonio's reputation as a burgeoning technology and security center.
A Unified Vision for the Digital Frontier
The College of AI, Cyber and Computing is engineered to be a comprehensive academic entity, uniquely integrating disciplines that are often siloed. Its foundation rests on four specialized departments: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems and Cybersecurity, and Data Science and Statistics. This integrated approach aims to cultivate a new generation of professionals equipped with interdisciplinary expertise, capable of navigating and innovating within the complex digital landscape. UTSA President Taylor Eighmy has lauded the college as being "at the epicenter of the digital convergence that will shape the future," underscoring its focus on thought leadership and transdisciplinary collaboration.
Dr. Jinjun Xiong, who is set to assume his role on March 1, 2026, brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record to UTSA. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Xiong served as the SUNY Empire Innovation Professor and director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at the University at Buffalo (UB). He also held the position of scientific director for the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education, a testament to his expertise in leveraging AI for societal benefit. His extensive background includes fostering strategic partnerships between academia, industry, and government agencies, which is crucial for advancing multidisciplinary research and curriculum development in AI and data science—a perfect alignment with the new college's ambitious vision. This holistic design differentiates it from more traditional, separate departments, promising a more cohesive and future-ready educational experience.
Reshaping the Landscape for AI Companies and Tech Giants
The advent of the College of AI, Cyber and Computing, under Dr. Xiong's guidance, is expected to have a profound impact on AI companies, established tech giants, and burgeoning startups alike. By producing a highly skilled and interdisciplinary workforce, the college directly addresses a critical talent shortage that many companies face. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates job growth in data science and cybersecurity to exceed 35% by 2031, highlighting the immense demand this college is designed to meet. Companies looking to innovate in AI, enhance their cybersecurity posture, or leverage advanced data analytics will find a rich talent pool emerging from UTSA.
Furthermore, the college's strategic location at UTSA’s Downtown Campus in San Pedro I and the under-construction San Pedro II facilities promotes closer collaboration with industry and government partners in San Antonio's urban core. This proximity fosters opportunities for sponsored research, internships, and joint ventures, allowing companies to tap directly into cutting-edge academic research and student innovation. For major AI labs and tech companies, this presents a competitive advantage by providing access to fresh perspectives and advanced research that can drive product development and service enhancement. Startups, in particular, stand to benefit from the availability of skilled graduates and potential partnerships that could accelerate their growth and disruptive potential in the market.
A Beacon in the Broader AI Landscape
The establishment of UTSA's College of AI, Cyber and Computing is a significant development within the broader AI landscape, reflecting a growing trend towards integrated and applied AI education. It underscores the recognition that AI, cybersecurity, and computing are no longer disparate fields but intrinsically linked, forming the backbone of modern technological advancement. This initiative aligns with the global push to democratize AI knowledge and skill development, ensuring that a wider array of professionals are equipped to contribute to the AI-driven economy.
The college's focus on transdisciplinary research promises to yield innovations that transcend traditional boundaries, potentially leading to breakthroughs in areas such as secure AI, ethical AI, and data-driven solutions for complex societal challenges. While the immediate impact is positive, potential concerns might include the rapid evolution of these fields, necessitating continuous curriculum updates and faculty development to remain at the cutting edge. However, by building on the success of UTSA's School of Data Science, launched in 2018, which has already grown to over 1,000 students and researchers, the new college is well-positioned to adapt and thrive, setting a new standard for integrated technology education.
Charting the Course for Future Innovations
Looking ahead, the College of AI, Cyber and Computing is poised for rapid evolution and expansion. In the near term, we can expect to see the full rollout of its diverse degree programs and the establishment of robust research centers focused on key areas within AI, cybersecurity, and computing. The integration of Dr. Xiong's leadership will undoubtedly catalyze new strategic partnerships and research initiatives, particularly given his background in leading large-scale, multidisciplinary projects. The physical expansion into the under-construction San Pedro II facility will further enhance its capacity for research and collaboration.
Potential applications and use cases on the horizon are vast, ranging from developing next-generation secure AI systems for critical infrastructure to pioneering data-driven solutions for healthcare, smart cities, and national security. Challenges will include attracting top-tier faculty in a highly competitive market and ensuring the curriculum remains agile enough to adapt to the rapid pace of technological change. Experts predict that this integrated model will become a blueprint for other institutions, as the demand for professionals with a holistic understanding of AI, cyber, and computing continues to surge, making UTSA a key player in shaping the future of technological education and innovation.
A New Era for Technology Education
The establishment of the College of AI, Cyber and Computing at UTSA and the appointment of Dr. Jinjun Xiong as its founding dean represent a monumental stride forward in technology education and research. The key takeaway is the strategic foresight demonstrated by UTSA in creating a truly integrated academic unit that mirrors the convergent nature of modern technology. This development is not merely an expansion but a redefinition of how universities can prepare students for the complexities of the digital age.
Its significance in AI history lies in pioneering a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach that is likely to become a model for institutions worldwide. The long-term impact will be felt across industries, as a new generation of skilled professionals and innovative research emerges from San Antonio. In the coming weeks and months, observers should watch for announcements regarding specific research initiatives, industry partnerships, and the continued growth of its student body. UTSA's bold move positions it as a critical node in the global network of AI and cybersecurity advancement, promising a future rich with innovation and opportunity.
This content is intended for informational purposes only and represents analysis of current AI developments.
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