Ava McDonnell
The University of South Florida has officially opened the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing, the first college in Florida named after artificial intelligence and one of only a few in the United States dedicated to these rapidly advancing fields.
The college’s launch represents a historic moment for USF and the state of Florida, with the university taking a bold step to prepare students for careers in emerging technologies and national security — sectors experiencing exponential growth and urgent workforce needs.
“This is a transformational moment for the University of South Florida and for our region’s future in technology,” said USF President Rhea Law.
A Milestone Fueled by Historic Philanthropy
The opening of the college was made possible through a $40 million gift from Tampa-based tech entrepreneur Arnie Bellini and his wife, Lauren Bellini. The donation, the largest in USF history, reflects the couple’s commitment to advancing technology education in Florida and establishing Tampa Bay as a national hub for cybersecurity and AI innovation.
Named in their honor, the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing brings together new and existing academic programs that span machine learning, data science, software engineering, and cyber defense.
“AI will shape the future of every industry. Our goal is to ensure Florida leads in this transformation,” said Arnie Bellini.
A Vision for the Future of Education
The college officially opened its doors to students and faculty in Fall 2025, beginning instruction in renovated spaces on USF’s Tampa campus. The university has confirmed that plans are underway for a dedicated, state-of-the-art facility, expected to be completed by 2028. The future building will house advanced labs, classrooms, collaborative spaces, and industry innovation hubs.
Until then, the Bellini College is operating from existing academic buildings, while laying the groundwork for interdisciplinary research and workforce development programs.
“We are building not just a college, but a foundation for the future of innovation,” said Dr. Sudeep Sarkar, the newly appointed founding dean of the college and a nationally recognized AI researcher.
First for Florida
The Bellini College is Florida’s first academic college dedicated to artificial intelligence and is designed to serve as a national model for how public universities can lead in educating the next generation of tech professionals. Its opening comes as industries across the U.S. face critical shortages of skilled workers in AI and cybersecurity.
USF’s approach is unique: integrating AI, cybersecurity, and computing into a single academic unit allows for cross-disciplinary learning and real-world application. It will prepare students not only to use emerging technologies but to ethically shape and secure them.
The September 2025 opening of the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing marks a defining moment in the University of South Florida’s rise as a national leader in technology education. Backed by historic philanthropy and an ambitious vision, the college will empower students, support critical research, and help position Florida at the forefront of innovation in one of the world’s fastest-moving fields.
As classes begin and research initiatives take shape, USF is making it clear: the future of AI, cybersecurity, and computing starts here.
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