Dimitris Bertsimas, a distinguished member of the MIT community, has been appointed as the vice provost for open learning at MIT, effective September 1. This appointment marks a significant milestone in the field of education, as Bertsimas will be working with partners across the Institute to revolutionize teaching and learning both on and off MIT’s campus.
Provost Cynthia Barnhart announced Bertsimas’s appointment in an email to the MIT community, expressing her excitement about the new chapter that Bertsimas will help shape within Open Learning. As a member of Barnhart’s leadership team and the Academic Council, Bertsimas will collaborate with faculty, staff, and deans to advance research in the science of learning and innovate, study, and scale up digital technologies for the benefit of learners worldwide.
Bertsimas brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having been a faculty member at MIT since 1988 and serving as the associate dean for the master of business analytics program at the MIT Sloan School of Management. His expertise in optimization and machine learning, particularly in the fields of health care and medicine, will be invaluable in driving forward the mission of MIT Open Learning.
In addition to his academic achievements, Bertsimas is passionate about teaching, research, and entrepreneurship. He has already made significant contributions to MIT Open Learning through the development of courses like „The Analytics Edge,“ which has attracted a large number of learners since its launch in 2013. In his new role, Bertsimas will oversee a range of product offerings, including OpenCourseWare, MITx courses, MicroMasters programs, and more, as well as the infrastructure, finances, and operations of Open Learning.
Bertsimas’s vision for Open Learning is ambitious yet achievable. He aims to introduce students from diverse backgrounds to the possibilities of artificial intelligence and its potential to revolutionize various fields. With a focus on accessibility and impact, Bertsimas is committed to expanding the reach and influence of MIT Open Learning in the era of AI.
Bertsimas’s appointment follows the tenure of Eric Grimson, who served as the interim vice president for open learning for the past two years. Grimson’s contributions to MIT Open Learning have been significant, including the expansion of MITx Online and the development of AI-based tutors for online courses. Grimson will continue to serve the Institute as the chancellor for academic advancement, ensuring a smooth transition as Bertsimas takes on his new role.
The appointment of Dimitris Bertsimas as the vice provost for open learning at MIT is a testament to the Institute’s commitment to innovation and excellence in education. With his leadership and expertise, MIT Open Learning is poised to make even greater strides in transforming teaching and learning for the benefit of learners worldwide.