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URochester names inaugural AI leader
Andrea Deckert//August 26, 2026//
The University of Rochester has named Mujdat Cetin as its inaugural associate vice president and vice provost for artificial intelligence.
Cetin, a professor of electrical and computer engineering and computer science, will begin the new role Sept. 1. He also will continue as director of the Robin and Tim Wentworth Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in a 50:50 role.
Cetin will report jointly to the provost and vice president for research and will lead development and implementation of a university-wide AI strategy aligned with URochester’s Boundless Possibility 2030 strategic plan.
The appointment comes as universities, businesses and research institutions race to build AI expertise and determine how the technology can be deployed responsibly. At URochester, Cetin’s responsibilities will span research, education, workforce development, industry partnerships and societal impact.
“Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how we teach, learn, conduct research and engage with the world,” Provost Nicole Sampson said. “Mujdat brings the combination of scholarly expertise, collaborative leadership and institutional perspective we need to bring together the extraordinary AI work already happening across the university and establish an ambitious vision for where we go next.”
Cetin will work across the university’s schools and divisions to expand interdisciplinary AI research and education, identify funding and partnership opportunities, and help faculty, students and staff develop the skills to use AI effectively and responsibly.
His responsibilities will include helping expand AI curricula, degree programs, certificates and experiential learning opportunities, as well as strengthening connections with regional employers and initiatives such as Empire AI.
The position also will focus on connecting AI expertise across Rochester’s research enterprise, including the Goergen Institute, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester Medicine and the university’s transdisciplinary centers.
Cetin will work with research leadership to identify emerging funding opportunities and assemble interdisciplinary teams to pursue large-scale collaborative projects.
“Rochester has tremendous expertise in artificial intelligence, data science, computing, medicine, engineering, the sciences, humanities and many other areas that will shape how AI develops and how it affects society,” Cetin said.
[email protected] / (585) 653-4021
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