This week on Strictly VC Download, Connie Loizos speaks with Lee Roberts, chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, about his bold strategy to position the university at the forefront of the AI revolution. Despite a challenging year marked by financial setbacks and athletic struggles, Roberts remains focused on transforming UNC into a leader in artificial intelligence. Roberts details his decision to merge the School of Data Science and Society with the School of Information and Library Science, a move designed to break down traditional academic silos. He argues that the rapid pace of AI innovation demands a more integrated approach to education and research—one that fosters collaboration across disciplines. “The technology is moving faster than our institutions can adapt,” he says. “We have to restructure how we think about knowledge to keep up.” The university recently lost $38 million in federal research grants, many tied to public health initiatives. While the loss is significant, Roberts says he’s less concerned now than he was earlier in the year. He credits improved internal planning and a renewed focus on strategic priorities, including AI-driven research, for helping the university navigate the uncertainty. Roberts also addresses the ongoing debate around the university’s $10 million annual commitment to football coach Bill Belichick, despite a rocky start to the season. He emphasizes that football revenue is critical to funding the broader athletic program, including the upcoming 2028 sports initiatives. “We’re not just investing in a team,” he explains. “We’re investing in the long-term sustainability of our entire athletic department and the student-athlete experience.” As UNC pushes forward with its AI transformation, Roberts sees the integration of technology into every facet of the university as both a necessity and an opportunity. He believes that by aligning academic programs, research, and institutional resources around AI, UNC can not only adapt to the future but help shape it.