UT San Antonio recently welcomed its founding dean of the College of AI, Cyber and Computing, Jinjun Xiong. Xiong joined the university on March 1, leaving his previous role at the State University of New York as an Empire Innovation Professor and director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at the University at Buffalo.

Background and Experience

Xiong earned a PhD in computer engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Master of Science in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He started his career as a research scientist at IBM, where he remained for 15 years, eventually becoming program director and research scientist at IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, New York.

Xiong’s career has focused on solutions-based technology, which he calls “earthly AI.” He aims to make technology accessible enough to help meet society’s needs. While at IBM, he realized that part of creating access included engaging college students to help identify issues, needs, and answers.

UTSA’s New College

UT San Antonio’s College of AI, Cyber and Computing was inaugurated in September 2025 and is located in the Downtown Campus’ San Pedro I building. The college houses a wide array of degree programs, including artificial intelligence, computer engineering, cybersecurity, and more.

Xiong hopes to lead the college toward collaboration with local industry and discoveries that help meet society’s needs. He believes that the college’s location in San Antonio provides opportunities for growth and differentiation.

Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.