The man betting everything on AI and Bill Belichick
3 minute readPublished: Monday, October 20, 2025 at 8:10 am
UNC Chancellor Bets Big on AI and Bill Belichick Amidst Challenges
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Chancellor Lee Roberts is making significant strategic moves, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and the university's football program, while navigating a complex landscape of financial pressures and internal resistance. Roberts, a former finance executive, is spearheading UNC's push to integrate AI across its curriculum and research initiatives. This includes merging the School of Data Science and Society with the School of Information and Library Science into a new entity centered on AI studies.
This AI-focused strategy comes as UNC faces several challenges. The university recently lost $38 million in federal grants, and Roberts' appointment as chancellor was met with opposition from some faculty and staff. Furthermore, the football program, led by the highly-touted coach Bill Belichick, is currently struggling, adding to the pressure.
Roberts views AI as a crucial area for preparing students for the future, despite some faculty members' reservations. He is implementing incentive-based programs to encourage AI adoption and collaboration across disciplines. He is also defending the university's investment in Belichick, citing the revenue generated by the football program that supports other sports.
Roberts acknowledges the challenges, including the loss of federal funding and the internal resistance to change. However, he remains optimistic, emphasizing the need for UNC to adapt quickly to the evolving landscape of higher education. He believes that embracing AI and making bold moves is essential for UNC to maintain its position as a leading public university.
BNN's Perspective:
Chancellor Roberts' approach is a bold one, reflecting a modern, business-oriented perspective on higher education. While the focus on AI is forward-thinking and necessary, the success of the Belichick hire and the overall integration of these strategies remains to be seen. The university's ability to navigate internal resistance and financial constraints will be critical to achieving its ambitious goals.
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