The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has appointed Vasileios Maroulas associate vice chancellor and director of the AI Tennessee Initiative. AI Tennessee was established in 2022 to strengthen UT’s research in AI, expand the number of UT students developing AI skills and competencies, and position the state of Tennessee as a national and global leader in the data-intensive knowledge economy.
“I look forward to advancing UT into a leader for AI research, innovation, and education,” said Maroulas. “By harnessing the power of transdisciplinary research, pioneering new learning opportunities, and forging strategic partnerships, we will empower a new generation of AI leaders shaping global industries and advancing the future of the knowledge economy.”
Maroulas, a national leader in artificial intelligence, is a professor of mathematics with appointments in UT’s College of Arts and Sciences, Haslam College of Business, and College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies, as well as in the UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute’s Bredesen Center. He will lead the creation of AITechX, an AI Tennessee initiative to explore innovative AI tools, technologies and workforce development solutions for Tennessee employers.
“Vasileios’ commitment to innovation in AI research and education — where progress is often dependent upon multidisciplinary and/or multi-sector collaboration — has been evident from the earliest days of his career,” said Deb Crawford, vice chancellor for research, innovation and economic development.
Maroulas’ appointment builds on the successful collaboration that led to the launch of the intercollegiate data science degree, which laid the foundation for UT’s new College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies.
“I am thrilled to welcome Vasileios to the CECS team,” said Ozlem Kilic, founding dean of CECS. “In his new role, Vasileios will lead the development of AI-focused curricula across disciplines, creating new concentrations and certificates that ensure UT graduates develop AI competencies essential to their career success.”
Maroulas’ research interests span computational probability, statistics, machine learning, and computational topology and geometry. He applies the new knowledge he and his students and postdoctoral researchers generate to advance applications that include biology, medicine, materials science, and national defense. His research has garnered significant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, the Simons Foundation and multiple firms. He has been a pioneer in academic innovation, shaping UT’s data science program and enhancing its applied AI program with multiple tracks and graduate-level offerings.
Maroulas’ contributions to science and engineering have been recognized with multiple honors including the Leverhulme Trust Visiting Fellowship and a prestigious fellowship with the U.S. Army Research Lab.
“We couldn’t be happier with the appointment of Dr. Maroulas in this role,” said Mike Odom, president and CEO of the Knoxville Chamber. “Innovations in AI and the development of a world-class workforce with AI competencies, both of which impact many sectors of our economy, are essential to Tennessee’s future competitiveness.”
Maroulas takes the reins of AI Tennessee following the retirement of Lynne Parker.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jennifer Johnson (865-974-4448, jjohn522@utk.edu)