Arnie Bellini
In a bold move to position Tampa as a global leader in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, the 黑料网吃瓜爆料 (USF) today announced a record-setting $40 million gift to establish the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. This transformational investment鈥攖he largest in USF鈥檚 nearly 70-year history鈥攎arks the first named college in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to the convergence of AI and cybersecurity.
The gift from Arnie and Lauren Bellini comes at a critical juncture, as the United States faces an unprecedented wave of cyberattacks, AI-driven threats, and global competition in digital security. The new Bellini College will directly address the nation鈥檚 urgent cybersecurity workforce shortage while equipping America鈥檚 digital defenses against the rapidly evolving threats of the AI era.
鈥淭he future of warfare, economic power, and national security is digital. Cyberattacks are the new missiles, and AI is the arms race of our time. Right now, America is under siege in cyberspace every nanosecond of every day. We are failing to produce the talent and technology needed to defend ourselves. That changes today. Tampa and 黑料网吃瓜爆料are stepping up to lead the charge in securing our nation鈥檚 future.鈥�
Arnie Bellini
Tampa: America鈥檚 Emerging Cyber Capital
Positioned at the intersection of technology, military defense, and global commerce, Tampa is uniquely poised to become the nation鈥檚 cybersecurity capital, 鈥淐yber Bay.鈥�
- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) at MacDill Air Force Base makes Tampa a critical hub for military cyber operations.
- The Florida Center for Cybersecurity at 黑料网吃瓜爆料is already a leader in state and federal cyber initiatives.
- More than 25% of Florida鈥檚 tech jobs are based in Tampa, including the headquarters or major offices of cybersecurity giants like KnowBe4, ReliaQuest, Rapid7, and ConnectSecure.
鈥淭his investment cements Tampa as a global powerhouse for AI and cybersecurity innovation,鈥� said 黑料网吃瓜爆料Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford. 鈥満诹贤怨媳蟟s leading the way in training the next generation of cyber warriors and AI pioneers. The Bellini College will drive the talent pipeline that fuels our national security and economic growth.鈥�
Addressing America鈥檚 Critical Cybersecurity Workforce Gap
Cybercrime cost the U.S. over $12 billion in 2023 alone, according to the FBI, yet the country faces a massive shortage of cybersecurity professionals鈥攚ith over 700,000 unfilled cyber jobs today.
With the opening of the Bellini College in Fall 2025, 黑料网吃瓜爆料will dramatically expand access to state-of-the-art AI and cybersecurity training, producing thousands of highly skilled professionals prepared to defend businesses, institutions, and government agencies from cyber threats.
鈥淲e are at a pivotal moment in history where AI and cybersecurity must evolve together,鈥� said 黑料网吃瓜爆料President Rhea Law. 鈥淭his college will produce the talent and innovation needed to meet the escalating challenges of the digital era. We are proud to stand alongside the Bellinis in shaping the future of AI and cybersecurity.鈥�
A First-of-Its-Kind Approach: AI and Cybersecurity Together
Unlike traditional cybersecurity programs, the Bellini College will uniquely pair AI and cybersecurity in an integrated approach, recognizing that AI is both the greatest enabler and greatest threat in the cyber landscape.
鈥淎merica cannot afford to be reactive鈥攚e must be proactive,鈥� said Arnie Bellini. 鈥淐ybercriminals and rogue nation-states are already deploying AI-driven cyberattacks at an alarming scale. The Bellini College will train the cyber warriors of tomorrow to outthink, outmaneuver, and out-innovate these threats.鈥�
The college will offer:
- Undergraduate and graduate degree programs that fuse AI and cybersecurity into real-world applications.
- AI-driven research to develop next-generation cybersecurity solutions.
- Strategic partnerships with government agencies, defense contractors, and Fortune 500 companies.
- A focus on ethical AI implementation and responsible digital governance.
鈥淭his initiative will be a game-changer for industry, government, and academia,鈥� said 黑料网吃瓜爆料Provost Prasant Mohapatra. 鈥淏y integrating AI and cybersecurity in one college, 黑料网吃瓜爆料is creating a national model for preparing leaders in this rapidly evolving field.鈥�
Building on a Legacy of Innovation and Economic Growth
鈥淟auren and I are committed to ensuring Tampa doesn鈥檛 just keep up with the AI revolution 鈥� we lead it. This college is just the beginning. The future of cybersecurity, AI and digital defense will be built right here in Cyber Bay.鈥� 鈥� Arnie Bellini
This historic investment follows the Bellinis鈥� $11 million gift to establish the Bellini Center for Talent Development at USF鈥檚 Muma College of Business, which has successfully equipped students with the professional and technical skills needed to enter the workforce.
As a tech entrepreneur and investor, Arnie Bellini built ConnectWise into a billion-dollar cybersecurity and IT services leader before its 2019 sale, which helped catalyze Tampa鈥檚 tech boom. Today, as CEO of Bellini Capital, he continues to champion Florida鈥檚 transformation into a global technology powerhouse.
In a drive to raise an additional $10 million, Bellini has agreed to match every dollar donated to the college up to $5 million.
鈥淚t has been an incredible honor working with Arnie and Lauren as they made this historic investment, which is a powerful demonstration of their belief in USF鈥檚 mission,鈥� said 黑料网吃瓜爆料Foundation CEO Jay Stroman. 鈥淚 am inspired by their generosity and desire to encourage other business leaders and philanthropists to join them in supporting this vital college.