The LaCross Artificial Intelligence in Business University Professorship

The Opportunity

The University of Virginia invites applications for an eminent scholar and innovative educator in the domain of artificial intelligence in business to serve as the inaugural LaCross Artificial Intelligence in Business University Professor (LaCross Professor), beginning in the fall of 2027. This endowed position seeks an exceptionally distinguished scholar and innovative educator whose expertise lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and business, broadly defined, including areas such as machine learning, the economics of AI, leadership and human impact of AI, the future of work, and responsible and ethical AI. A successful candidate will lead efforts to advance the understanding, application, and impact of ethical AI leadership in business and management practices.

The individual, appointed as University Professor, will report to both the University President and the Executive Vice President and Provost, and will serve as an advisor to the Provost in advancing AI research and impact across the institution. The position is at a senior level, and candidates should possess qualifications sufficient to receive tenure as a full professor at the Darden Graduate School of Business, with consideration for courtesy appointments at other schools at the University, as appropriate and subject to consideration by the respective faculties.

The Role and Responsibilities

A successful candidate is expected to conduct cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the nexus of AI and business, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field. The candidate should have experience teaching, or a demonstrated interest in teaching, graduate MBA and PhD students and executive-level courses in areas related to AI and its applications in business, including but not limited to machine learning, data-driven decision-making, AI ethics, and AI-driven innovation. The candidate should also be willing to teach with excellence using Darden’s student-centered Socratic method.

The LaCross Professor will help position UVA as a national leader in AI research and will assist with the AI@UVA (https://ai.provost.virginia.edu/) efforts across Grounds by promoting AI literacy, fostering ethical AI practices, and driving thought leadership in the field. The candidate will be a visionary leader with the ability to advance AI excellence across research, education, and institutional strategy, helping position the University at the forefront of AI innovation and impact. Responsibilities of this position include developing interdisciplinary collaborations across the University of Virginia and fostering partnerships with other schools, particularly the School of Data Science, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the McIntire School of Commerce, and the Biocomplexity Institute, as well as with departments, industry leaders, and research centers. The position also requires the ability to mentor students and junior faculty, providing guidance in research, career development, and academic growth.

The LaCross Professor will also serve as one of the Academic Directors of the LaCross Institute for Ethical Artificial Intelligence in Business at the Darden School (https://news.darden.virginia.edu/2024/09/30/lacross-professorships-usher-in-a-new-era-in-ai-leadership-at-uva-darden/) , established in 2024 (https://news.darden.virginia.edu/2024/09/16/uva-launches-institute-at-darden-school-of-business-to-focus-on-artificial-intelligence) to accelerate UVA’s leading role in shaping AI’s impact on society and business, enabled by the largest gift in Darden history from alumnus David LaCross (MBA ’78) and his wife, Kathy. The LaCross Institute builds on Darden’s successful history of advancing research, teaching, and engagement with practice related to artificial intelligence. The successful candidate will work alongside the other faculty fellows, academic directors, and professional staff leaders to advance its mission of making the world a better place through the responsible use of AI in business by developing leaders who can manage AI businesses and solutions, guided by ethics, values, and the advancement of human well-being. As one of the Academic Directors of the LaCross Institute, the LaCross Professor will advance Darden’s and UVA’s leadership in ethical AI in business by advancing and supporting research on AI-related topics, creating new courses and course materials at the cutting edge of pedagogy, and engaging with practice and industry on the leading-edge uses of ethical AI in business. The LaCross Professor will engage with external stakeholders, including businesses, policymakers, and the broader community, to translate academic research into real-world applications and societal impact.

Responsibilities of this role include contributing to the ongoing development and implementation of a forward-thinking vision for AI advancement across the University. This work may include contributing to timely initiatives such as crafting and implementing university-wide AI strategies that align with academic and operational priorities; fostering AI collaboration across academic disciplines; engaging with a broad set of stakeholders, including faculty, students, industry leaders, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations, to build a thriving AI ecosystem; and representing the University in AI-related research, policy, and industry discussions at the national and global levels, consistent with the candidate's qualifications and institutional needs.

This work will serve to complement, and will benefit from, other UVA schools, institutes, and programs, namely:

• The Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology (https://www.darden.virginia.edu/batten-institute) serves as the key catalyst and hub for technology and entrepreneurial activity at UVA’s Darden School of Business, supporting faculty and students through research, experiential learning, co-curricular programs, scholarships, and thought leadership focused on innovation at Darden.

• The School of Data Science (https://datascience.virginia.edu/) is the first of its kind in the nation and is guided by common goals: to further discovery, share knowledge, and make a positive impact on society through collaborative, open, and responsible data science research and education. Founded in fall 2019 through the largest gift in UVA’s history, the School positions the University to play a national and international leadership role in the global digital future.

• The Biocomplexity Institute (https://biocomplexity.virginia.edu/about-us) (BI) focuses on solving complex problems that cannot be addressed within the narrow confines of a single discipline or by a single researcher. The Biocomplexity Institute has developed a unique transdisciplinary team-science approach to tackling such problems and finding AI-enabled solutions for scientific and societal applications in areas such as public health, the labor market, biotechnology, and independent critical infrastructures. BI works to foster global collaborative networks that advance the research agenda and develop innovative experiential learning programs for students. The Institute has made significant advances in high-performance computing (HPC), AI, and machine learning, and created international cyberinfrastructure and HPC ecosystems. Since 2018, the Biocomplexity Institute has brought in more than $100 million in federal funding.

• The Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology (https://manninginstitute.virginia.edu/) : Designed to propel UVA to the forefront of cutting-edge medicine, the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology accelerates the development of new treatments and cures and transforms how healthcare is delivered across the Commonwealth and beyond. Within the School of Medicine, significant funds are invested each year to support translational life sciences research.

• National Security Data and Policy Institute (https://nationalsecurity.virginia.edu/) : The NSDPI at UVA was established in 2024 to advance research and engagement with the national security and intelligence communities. The Institute's initial activities center on data and intelligence deliverables identified in partnership with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Through this work, the Institute is developing into a durable, interdisciplinary center for security research and government engagement.

Ideal Experience and Characteristics

UVA seeks a broad pool of candidates with the ability to help develop and advance a pan-University initiative and with demonstrated commitments to interdisciplinary collaboration, team building, and innovation. The ideal candidate is a scholar whose work and presence attract other faculty to UVA, with a record of building research programs or platforms and a clear vision for AI in business. UVA welcomes candidates from business, computing, the social sciences, and related disciplines, as well as researchers in industry with strong academic credentials.

Candidates must possess the academic credentials necessary to be eligible for a tenured full professor appointment at the Darden School of Business.

Other requirements:

Leadership and Collaboration: Strong leadership skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and build meaningful partnerships. Administrative leadership experience, such as leading research groups, centers, or initiatives, is preferred.

• Academic Credentials: A terminal degree (Ph.D., JD, DBA, Ed.D., among others) in a related field, including but not limited to Decision Sciences, Computer Science, Data Science, Leadership, Management Science, Marketing, Operations Research, Statistics, Economics, Information Systems, Psychology, and Philosophy.

• Research Excellence: A distinguished record of research publications in leading journals and conferences in the candidate’s discipline, impactful contributions to the field, and recognition as a thought leader in AI and business, including, where relevant, attention to ethical considerations in AI applications.

• Teaching and Mentorship: Proven excellence in teaching and mentorship, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and student-centered learning environment, as well as experience developing teaching materials and establishing or maintaining interactions with practicing managers and academics.

• Industry and Philanthropic Engagement: Experience applying AI to business challenges and bridging the gap between academia and industry. Excellent communication, presentation, listening, and interpersonal skills; the ability to communicate with and inspire a broad array of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners; and the ability to engage donors, build rapport, and participate in securing philanthropic support for AI.

To Apply or Nomninate

UVA Executive Search Group (ESG) has been retained to assist in the search for the LaCross Artificial Intelligence in Business University Professorship. Confidential inquiries should be sent via email to Adam Seid, Senior Search Consultant, at [email protected] . Nominations may be submitted by email or through our online nomination form (https://virginia.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV\_1O07I9mIj6uJc46) . To apply, submit a letter of interest and CV via Interfolio. The search will be carried out with full confidentiality.

Applications received by December 31, 2026, will be given priority consideration.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment (https://eocr.virginia.edu/notice-non-discrimination-and-equal-opportunity) .

The University of Virginia offers confidential Dual Career Services to partners of incoming faculty candidates. To learn more, please visit dualcareer.virginia.edu