Jeffrey Bardzell begins as vice provost for AI, Diane Kelly named SILS interim dean

Jeffrey Bardzell, dean of the School of Information and Library Science, has been named vice provost for artificial intelligence and chief AI officer, effective Nov. 18. Bardzell will work across the University to engage faculty across disciplines in preparing students for a workforce where the nature of work and entry-level qualifications are changing due to rapidly evolving technologies, notably including AI.

“Jeff’s background gives him a unique perspective on AI strategy, one that the University needs if we are going to succeed at responding to the evolving needs of our students, faculty and staff,” Interim Provost James W. Dean said. “We are extremely grateful to have him in this key role, and I know he will take a thoughtful and strategic approach to AI across campus.”

Bardzell, who has led SILS since 2024, accepted a secondary position leading the University’s AI strategy in October. Recognizing the urgency of a comprehensive AI plan across the University’s academic mission, Bardzell is stepping into this new role full-time, focusing initially on teaching and learning.

In his new role, Bardzell is considering ways to bolster and connect existing AI work across teaching and learning at the University. He sees opportunities to support student learning in three ways: courses in basic AI literacy as part of the general education curriculum, courses covering technical and responsible use of AI that cross-cut numerous professional tracks, and technically focused courses for students interested in working in AI-related or -adjacent fields.

Unlike other institutions that have appointed leaders with data science backgrounds to similar positions, Bardzell’s experience in human-centered computing offers a different perspective to AI challenges and opportunities.

“AI brings considerable opportunities and also risks,” Bardzell said. “Higher education has a critical role to play in shaping how AI unfolds, and preparing students for a world where its use is ubiquitous is one of the most impactful ways we can do so. I am excited to collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to help shape that future.”

Diane Kelly, Wilson Distinguished Professor in the School of Information and Library Science, has been named interim dean. She will serve in this role while SILS works alongside the School of Data Science and Society to create a new school focused on preparing students for work in information- and data-intensive professions and settings, including libraries and archives. This yet-to-be-named school will launch in July 2026.

“It is an honor to serve as interim dean,” said Kelly. “One of my main reasons for coming back to Carolina was to be able to use my administrative and leadership experience in a way to help the school, and more specifically, the people that I care about so deeply.”

Kelly has previously served as vice provost for faculty affairs at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, where she led academic personnel services, including hiring, review, tenure and promotion of all faculty, and faculty development and advancement.

“Diane’s experience and expertise, including her long history with SILS, make her a great leader for the school,” Interim Provost Dean said. “I have enjoyed working with her, and the University is appreciative of her willingness to serve as interim dean, particularly in this time of transition and opportunity.”

“Diane has deep experience as an academic leader, and I know the school is in good hands as it makes this transition,” said Bardzell.

From 2016 to 2020, Kelly was director and professor in the School of Information Sciences at Tennessee, where she guided the school through several significant successes, including an enrollment increase in the MSIS program and the creation of a new bachelor’s degree in information sciences. Kelly began her faculty career at Carolina in 2004 where she served as assistant, associate and full professor at SILS.