USF’s Bellini College to focus on AI, cybersecurity and computing

The University of South Florida (USF) has received a record-breaking $40 million donation from Arnie and Lauren Bellini to establish the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. The investment marks the largest gift in the university’s history, and creates the first named college in the U.S. dedicated to integrating AI and cybersecurity.

Arnie Bellini, a tech entrepreneur and CEO of Bellini Capital, emphasized the urgency of cybersecurity advancements. “The future of warfare, economic power and national security is digital,” he told a writer from University Communications and Marketing. “Right now, America is under siege in cyberspace every nanosecond of every day. We are failing to produce the talent and technology needed to defend ourselves. That changes today.”

The establishment of the Bellini College comes as the U.S. faces an increasing number of cyberattacks and a significant shortage of cybersecurity professionals. The FBI reported that cybercrime cost the country over $12 billion in 2023, yet there are currently more than 700,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs.

The new college, set to open this fall, aims to fill this gap by training professionals in AI-driven cybersecurity measures. USF President Rhea Law described the initiative as a necessary step in national defense. “This college will produce the talent and innovation needed to meet the escalating challenges of the digital era,” she said.

USF Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford added that the investment strengthens Tampa’s position as a global center for AI and cybersecurity. With U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) located at MacDill Air Force Base and major cybersecurity companies such as KnowBe4 and ReliaQuest headquartered in the area, Tampa is being positioned as “Cyber Bay.”

The Bellini College will adopt a unique “hub-and-spoke” model to foster interdisciplinary collaboration. According to Interim Dean Sudeep Sarkar, the college will serve as a central hub for foundational AI and cybersecurity research, while spokes will extend into various academic disciplines.

“The Bellini College provides opportunities for all of our colleges and disciplines to cross academic boundaries and to tackle complex challenges,” said USF Provost and Executive Vice President Prasant Mohapatra. “This is where scholars from nursing, business, ethics, the arts, and more can leverage technological advances, especially related to AI.”

Examples of interdisciplinary applications include AI-powered tools in criminology, where researchers are developing a chatbot to assist law enforcement and educate cyber scam victims. In business, AI-driven eye-tracking technology and facial expression sensors are being used to analyze consumer responses to advertising. Social sciences will also integrate AI to study misinformation and online behavior patterns.

Triparna de Vreede, an assistant professor in USF’s Muma College of Business, sees the Bellini College as an opportunity to expand research on human-AI interactions. “How does someone respond to AI? How does AI change their behavior?” she asked. “This college will enhance my work, and my work will enhance the college.”

The Bellini College will develop undergraduate and graduate programs that integrate AI and cybersecurity into practical applications. It will also establish partnerships with government agencies, defense contractors, and Fortune 500 companies. Ethical AI development and responsible digital governance will be core aspects of the curriculum.

Bellini emphasized that the goal is for Tampa to lead the AI and cybersecurity revolution. “Lauren and I are committed to ensuring Tampa doesn’t just keep up with the AI revolution – we lead it,” he said.

To encourage additional investment, Bellini has pledged to match up to $5 million in donations, aiming to raise an additional $10 million for the college.

“This initiative will be a game-changer for industry, government and academia,” said Mohapatra. “By integrating AI and cybersecurity in one college, USF is creating a national model for preparing leaders in this rapidly evolving field.”

With ongoing collaborations and the potential for new multidisciplinary majors, the Bellini College is expected to play a crucial role in shaping AI and cybersecurity advancements both locally and nationally. “USF is being bold about putting this front and center,” said Sarkar. “There are many possibilities, and this is just the starting point.”