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May 29, 2018

UIC PR News

As Chicago continues its growth in the information and technology sectors, two local powerhouses are joining forces to help address the mounting need for data science expertise.

TransUnion, a leading global information solutions provider headquartered in Chicago, has partnered with the University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for the creation of the TransUnion Professor of Data Science. The endowment is designed to further advocate for the study of data science and the potential careers and advancements it brings.

Transunion PR news

Chicago Market in Prime Position

Chicago is widely considered an emerging data science talent hub, in no small part to the opportunities afforded by local companies. Since 2012, Chicago has added more than 15,000 technology jobs and many growing technology companies are either moving to the area or reinvesting in their presence here[4].

TransUnion operates at the forefront of the data science field; the Chicago-based firm has developed numerous innovative solutions to not only help business customers, but also abides by their commitment to Information for Good, helping millions of consumers either gain access to more affordable loans or to prevent identity theft and other online fraud.

Powerhouse Partnership

The decision to partner with UIC's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences stemmed from this commitment, as it presented the opportunity to reach an incredibly diverse population and expand new career opportunities in Chicago. As Chicago’s largest university and only public research institution, UIC boasts a highly-varied student population (with no racial/ethnic majority) and is ranked among the top 10 most diverse universities in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report[5].

Moreover, UIC is a research powerhouse, as one of only four institutions in Illinois (and only 115 in the country) to be designated R1, the highest category for research activity assigned by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university was ranked among the top 25 best public universities in the country, according to a 2018 Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education ranking.

"We are truly grateful to TransUnion for their generous support and partnership," said Astrida Orle Tantillo, dean of UIC's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “The TransUnion Professor will bring a wealth of expertise to our Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science program, and support our goal of graduating well-rounded data science students who have the critical thinking, problem-solving and communications skills necessary to fill important industry gaps and meet future workforce demands."

More About Endowed Professorship of Data Science

The TransUnion professor will be recruited through a national search and will work to enhance existing UIC strengths and invigorate research, teaching and consulting in data science. The professor will be appointed as a senior faculty member in the Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science department and will join a large group of researchers from across the campus who are engaged in data science research and applications. The partnership will build UIC’s capacity to continually develop innovative undergraduate and graduate curriculum, professional education opportunities and interdisciplinary research groups.

Tribune Reported to be $500,000 endowment.