LOVEL - UMass Lovell announced on Thursday that it will launch a new school of computer science, which will be named after former student Rich Miner, co-founder of Android, a company that was bought and started by Google.
The UMass Board of Directors has approved the Richard A. School of Computer and Information Science. Miner to UMass Lovell through a $ 5 million donation from Miner, along with a corresponding $ 2 million state contribution.
“We are deeply indebted to Rich,” UMass Chancellor Chancellor Jackie Moloney said in a press release. “His latest gift reflects his ongoing generous donation of his time, expertise and resources to support students through entrepreneurial competitions such as UMass Lovell’s DifferenceMaker and prepare them to become leaders in their careers.
The statement said that computing is the largest academic program at UMass Lovell and one that has grown steadily over the past few years.
Enrollment in university undergraduate studies in computer science programs increased by more than 50% from the fall of 2016 to the fall of 2021. In 2022, 12% of students in the candidate group cited computer science as their goal.
The cost of UMass Lovell’s research in computer science rose along with enrollment, jumping from $ 2.7 million in 2016 to $ 4.4 million in 2021. The faculty is responsible for several subjects including artificial intelligence, visualization, robotics, processing natural language, data analysis, computer security and privacy, and health informatics.
Miner received his bachelor’s degree (1986), his master’s degree (1989) and his doctorate (1997) in computer science from UMass Lovell. He is the co-founder of Android, the world’s most popular operating system with more than 3 billion users.
After selling Android to Google in 2005 and launching the first few releases, Miner co-founded GV, Google’s first venture capital fund. GV has led investments in numerous startups over the past decade. In his role with GV, Miner has supported some of Massachusetts’ best startups, including Recorded Future, Toast, Hubspot and Tamr.
During his undergraduate studies, Miner wrote computer programs for the Commodore 64, a first-generation gaming system. In his graduation years, his work with the University Center for Product Advancement led to breakthroughs in the fields of painting, video digitization, and video conferencing. Miner also helped incubate Avid Technology, the world’s first computer-based video editing platform. He later co-founded Wildfire Communications, the first personal voice-based assistant, patenting many of the concepts now common in today’s voice assistants.
Miner attributes his education to the key to success. He said that he believes that his donation will help computer science students see how unlimited their future is as they follow their passion.
“UMass Lovell prepared me academically and entrepreneurially for a career in which I was able to contribute so many influential innovations,” Miner said in a statement. “I am honored to be able to reciprocate in ways that can encourage others to meet or overcome their dreams.
Richard A. School of Computer and Information Science Miner will be housed within the Kennedy College of Science. According to the announcement, it will offer graduate, master’s and doctoral programs that combine applied and theoretical studies of computer science.
The course of study also includes options for minors in robotics, cyber security, data science and bio-heminformatics. In partnership with the University’s Department of Graduate, Online and Professional Studies, the school also offers certificates in cyber security, system models and management and telecommunications.
The New School of Computer and Information Science Richard A. The miner is designed to provide opportunities for education and research to a variety of students and colleges, “Kennedy Dean of Science Kennedy Nureddin Melikechi said in a statement. “Together, they will make significant discoveries and innovations that address many of the challenges our world faces. In an increasingly interconnected world, school will illuminate our future and reduce our uncertainties. ”
UMass Lovell is planning an autumn dedication ceremony in honor of Miner and the new school.