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Penn State University has appointed Vasant Honavar as its first vice provost for artificial intelligence (AI), marking a significant step in the university's efforts to integrate AI across its system. Honavar, who currently holds the position of Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Chair in Biomedical Data Sciences and Artificial Intelligence, will begin his new role on June 1. His responsibilities will include overseeing Penn State's comprehensive AI strategy and promoting human-centered and ethical AI innovation in teaching, learning, research, and operations.
According to Penn State News, Honavar will work closely with university leadership, including Executive Vice President and Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos, to align AI initiatives with the university's strategic goals. Honavar expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "At a time when AI is reshaping discovery, learning, creative endeavors and the nature of work, Penn State has a unique opportunity, indeed, a responsibility — to lead by reimagining the land-grant mission in a world being transformed by AI."
Honavar's appointment comes as Pennsylvania aims to become a national hub for AI. Last summer, Carnegie Mellon University hosted an AI summit attended by President Donald Trump, resulting in a $92 billion investment in AI and energy infrastructure in the state, as reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
In his new role, Honavar will collaborate with the AI Coordinating Council and other advisory bodies to implement Penn State's AI Transformation initiative. He will also work with Crystal Ramsay, the newly appointed assistant vice provost for AI, who will lead the university's AI Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning.
Honavar's priorities include expanding AI literacy, fostering ethical AI adoption, and enhancing Penn State's leadership in AI-enabled discoveries. He brings over three decades of experience in AI research and curriculum development, with a strong background in interdisciplinary leadership. Honavar has been involved in numerous research projects funded by major organizations, including the U.S. National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
For more information on AI initiatives at Penn State, visit the university's AI website.