EL PASO, TX – The University of Texas at El Paso has named Dr. Salamah Salamah the new Associate Vice President for Scientific Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Salamah, is a prominent leader in computer science and cybersecurity, and will play a key role in advancing UTEP’s strategic research initiatives and developing its computing infrastructure to support innovation.
As Associate Vice President for Scientific Computing and Artificial Intelligence, Salamah will coordinate institution-wide efforts to promote interdisciplinary research, strengthen computing and AI capabilities, and develop initiatives that address pressing societal challenges.
“Professor Salamah Salamah’s appointment as Associate Vice President reflects his exceptional expertise in advancing computational methods and leveraging his knowledge of using AI to address complex grand challenges,” said Dr. Ahmad Itani, Vice President for Research and Innovation.
Salamah, an endowed professor in UTEP’s Department of Computer Science, previously served as chair of the department from 2020 to 2024. Under his leadership, the department experienced significant growth, becoming one of the largest in the University. He spearheaded efforts that earned UTEP the prestigious National Security Agency (NSA) Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation in Cyber Operations Research and Cybersecurity. UTEP is now one of only 11 institutions nationwide to hold all three NSA CAE designations, placing the University among the elite in cybersecurity education and research.
One of Salamah’s most notable accomplishments includes leading the development of undergraduate and graduate programs in Artificial Intelligence within the Department of Computer Science. These programs, introduced in 2024, have expanded UTEP’s academic offerings and positioned the University as a leader in preparing students for careers in AI and related fields.
Beyond departmental accomplishments, Salamah has been instrumental in fostering collaborations with industry, academia, and government agencies such as the Army Research Laboratory and the NSA. His efforts have resulted in securing significant external funding and launching initiatives that enhance UTEP’s research capabilities in computer science and cybersecurity.
“I am honored to take on this new position at a time when scientific computing and artificial intelligence are reshaping the world,” said Salamah.
