StrictlyVC Download UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts on pushing his university into the AI age
Oct 28, 2025
Lee Roberts, Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, discusses his vision for integrating AI into university operations and academics. He explains the recent merger of data science and library science to foster collaboration. Roberts addresses the $38 million in federal grant cuts, focusing on public health impacts while remaining optimistic about diversifying funding sources. He also defends the investment in football coach Bill Belichick as a crucial revenue strategy to support UNC's extensive athletics program.
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Episode notes
AI As A Three-Part University Priority
- Lee Roberts frames AI as a university-wide priority across research, operations, and instruction.
- He argues Carolina must place focused bets where it is already differentiated.
Incentivize Faculty To Adopt AI
- Lee Roberts says don't mandate classroom AI rules; incentivize faculty to adapt.
- Give faculty tools, time, and examples so they can incorporate AI into syllabi practically.
Assign Work That Requires AI Tools
- A faculty member assigns more work than students could finish without AI to mirror real-world expectations.
- That professor intentionally uses AI-enabled workload to teach practical skills.