August 29, 2025

University of South Florida Establishes New College for AI and Cybersecurity

News Summary

The University of South Florida has announced the creation of the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, backed by a historic $40 million donation. Scheduled to open in 2025, the college aims to enroll 3,000 students initially, growing to 5,000 by 2028. The college will focus on practical experience and partnerships with the industry to address the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals while fostering a tech ecosphere in the Tampa Bay region.

Tampa, Florida – The University of South Florida (USF) has announced the creation of a new college dedicated to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity, following a historic $40 million donation from benefactor Arnie Bellini and his wife, Lauren. The Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing is anticipated to officially open in the fall of 2025.

Initially, 3,000 students are enrolled to commence classes in the upcoming weeks, with projections indicating enrollment could reach 5,000 by 2028. The inaugural classes will be conducted in existing USF facilities as a new dedicated building for the college is planned to be developed shortly.

To start, the college will employ 45 faculty members, with plans to expand that number to 100 by 2028. The vision for the college includes not only traditional academic instruction but also hands-on experiences in AI and cybersecurity through industry partnerships.

Strategic Location and Vision

Arnie Bellini, whose sale of his company ConnectWise netted approximately $1.5 billion, has expressed confidence that USF is uniquely positioned to develop these programs, thanks to its proximity to MacDill Air Force Base and a metropolitan area abundant in high-level cybersecurity roles. The college aims to foster a tech ecosphere in the Tampa Bay region, aiming to synergize business, industry, military, and academia, which could result in the creation of new high-paying jobs.

To support this ambitious initiative, USF plans to pursue additional funding from the Florida Legislature. A matching donation program is in place, which will see any new donations doubled up to $5 million, potentially raising an additional $10 million for the college’s development.

Programs and Training

The Bellini College will offer both undergraduate and graduate programs emphasizing practical experience with AI tools and cybersecurity skills. Students will have opportunities to engage with real-world industry challenges through collaborations with partnering businesses while being educated on ethical technology practices.

The university’s partnership model is intended to resemble Stanford’s relationship with Silicon Valley, enhancing collaboration across various sectors to elevate the educational experience and align it with industry needs.

Recruiting a Distinguished Faculty

USF is actively seeking to attract top professors from around the globe to build a distinguished faculty team capable of delivering cutting-edge education in AI and cybersecurity.

Complementary Programs

In a related initiative, USF Sarasota-Manatee has introduced the InfoSec GRC Analyst Program, which aims to offer complimentary training to address ongoing cybersecurity challenges. This program prioritizes veterans, first responders, and governmental personnel and is backed by $2 million in funding secured by Congressman Greg Steube. This initiative responds to a national shortage of cybersecurity professionals, with research indicating that over 40% of organizations are currently grappling with personnel shortages in this critical field.

The establishment of the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing represents a significant advancement for the University of South Florida in addressing the growing demand for expertise in these vital areas. The strategic initiatives undertaken may not only enhance educational opportunities but also foster workforce development in an increasingly digital and interconnected economy.

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Additional Resources

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