The University of Wisconsin–Madison has taken another major step in preparing for the launch of its College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence with the hire of its first dean.
Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau was named founding dean of the college, which is set to launch July 1.
Approved in December 2025 by the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents, the college is the first academic division created at UW–Madison in more than 40 years.
The launch is also supported by $100 million in philanthropic commitments from the Catalyst Collective — a group of alumni, industry leaders and corporate partners investing in the college’s early success. The college also received more than $50 million in annual institutional investment.
The new college is set to hire 50 new faculty members.
“The College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence is intended to be a hub and resource for the rest of campus, while also building core strength in the disciplines at its foundation,” UW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin said in a statement. “Helping society navigate a changing landscape, including AI’s ethical questions and implications for the workforce, will require collaboration across disciplines, and Remzi brings needed strong and capable leadership to this critical endeavor.”
Arpaci-Dusseau is a professor of computer sciences, internationally recognized researcher, award-winning educator and a longtime leader at UW-Madison. He currently serves as director of the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences and special advisor to the provost for computing.
Arpaci-Dusseau has led the effort to create the college since 2024.
“I’m honored to lead the college at such an important moment; AI is already reshaping society,” Arpaci-Dusseau said in a statement. “In moments of major change, universities have a responsibility to engage, not stand on the sidelines. Universities have long helped develop technologies, and that work must continue. But we also have a responsibility to ask hard questions about their impacts, guide innovation thoughtfully and prepare students to thrive in a changing world.”
UW-Whitewater is also diving into AI education with the launch of an AI major this fall.
