The University of North Texas in Denton will establish a new college focused on artificial intelligence and advanced analytics following a $20 million gift from Anuradha and Vikas Sinha.
The new Anuradha and Vikas Sinha College of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics will bring together academic programs and research focused on artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, health informatics, intelligent systems, and learning technologies.
The gift will also expand opportunities for students and faculty as UNT works to strengthen its position in emerging technology and interdisciplinary research.
Gift Creates Six Permanent Endowments
The Sinhas’ $20 million contribution will establish six permanent endowments supporting student scholarships, endowed professorships, college leadership, entrepreneurship and incubation, advanced research, and emerging technologies.
Vikas Sinha, a 2023 UNT doctoral graduate and vice president of Broadcom’s Mainframe Software Division, said universities have an important role in preparing students to shape the development and use of artificial intelligence.
“Artificial intelligence will be one of the defining technologies of our generation, and universities have an essential role to play in preparing the people who will shape its future,” Sinha said. “What excites us about UNT’s vision is that this college will go beyond teaching students how to use AI. It will prepare them to build it, understand it, question it, govern it and apply it responsibly — developing both the builders and the stewards of intelligent systems.”
He added that the gift reflects the couple’s belief in extending educational opportunities to future generations.
College To Connect AI And Analytics Programs
The new college will be organized into two academic divisions.
The Division of Applied Intelligence and Informatics will focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, advanced analytics and health informatics.
The Division of Information and Learning Applications will concentrate on information science, library science and learning technologies, including how information and intelligent systems function within human and institutional settings.
The college will also house the Applied Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Institute. The institute is intended to support interdisciplinary research, shared resources, external research funding and partnerships with industry.
UNT Links College To Strategic Plan
UNT President Harrison Keller said the new college supports the university’s “Look North: UNT 2030” strategic initiative, which includes preparing students for a changing labor market and expanding interdisciplinary research and innovation.
“Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how we work, conduct research and solve problems, and universities have an important responsibility to help shape what comes next,” Keller said in a UNT news release.
The university said the college will connect students and faculty across disciplines while creating opportunities to work with emerging technologies and collaborate with businesses and other organizations.
Dean Kinshuk, who will lead the new college, said the endowments will provide resources to recruit faculty, support students, expand research and encourage entrepreneurship.
“Our goal is not simply to teach students how to use new technologies. We want them to understand them, question them and be prepared to shape what those technologies become,” Kinshuk said.
Sinhas Have Long History of Supporting UNT
The new college builds on the Sinhas’ previous support for UNT.
The couple, who immigrated to the United States from India, established the Anuradha and Vikas Sinha Department of Data Science through a 2024 gift. In 2025, they provided additional funding to create the Sinha Innovation Lab for Data Science.
Vikas Sinha earned his doctorate in information science with a concentration in data science from UNT in 2023. He also serves on the UNT College of Information Leadership Board.
The Sinhas both began their higher education in India before continuing their studies in the United States.
“Education has opened doors for us throughout our lives, and we want to hold those doors open for others,” Vikas Sinha said.
University Plans Celebration Later This Year
UNT said the new college will play a role in expanding the university’s research enterprise while preparing students for careers increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies.
The university also expects the college and its research institute to strengthen connections between academic research, industry, and communities across North Texas and the state.
UNT plans to hold a campus celebration later this year to formally mark the naming of the Anuradha and Vikas Sinha College of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics.
Provided by Dallas Express
