Golden Gate University Names Larry Chao Executive Director of the School of Emerging Technology

SAN FRANCISCO — Golden Gate University (GGU) today announced the appointment of Lawrence P. “Larry” Chao, Ph.D., as Executive Director of its School of Emerging Technology. A technology executive and AI strategist with extensive experience in Silicon Valley, Dr. Chao will help lead the School’s expansion as GGU builds a new model of applied education in artificial intelligence, closely connected to industry and the fast-changing AI economy.

Dr. Chao will lead the day-to-day academic and administrative operations of the School and oversee the development of its programs and faculty. He will also support the School’s Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence and represent the School with industry, academic, and international partners. He will hold a concurrent appointment as Professor in the School.

“The School of Emerging Technology is central to our vision of building a university that moves at the speed of technological change,” said Brent White, president of Golden Gate University. “Larry brings a rare combination of engineering expertise, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurial experience. He understands how AI is transforming industries and what that means for the education we provide our students. He is exactly the kind of leader we envisioned for this School.”

Dr. Chao’s extensive experience includes seven years at Intel, where he worked directly with the company’s president and CEO on corporate strategy and held leadership roles in marketing and business development. He has also held senior positions at technology companies including Kno, Cinarra Systems, Ricoh Innovations, and TrustMe.AI, and is co-founder and managing partner of Baser Potential, which advises enterprises and startups on AI transformation.

Dr. Chao holds a Ph.D. and an M.S. in mechanical engineering from Stanford University and a B.S. in mechanical engineering from MIT. His research on error-proofing the product development process, supported by fellowships at NASA Ames and GE Aircraft Engines, has been cited more than 200 times, and he has taught at Stanford and San José State University.

“AI is transforming every profession, and universities need to rethink how they prepare students for that future,” said Dr. Chao. “GGU has an extraordinary opportunity to build a school that connects academic learning directly with technological innovation and industry practice. I am excited to work with Dean Simon See and our faculty to realize that vision.”

GGU launched the School of Emerging Technology in September 2026 under the leadership of Founding Dean Simon See, an internationally recognized AI technology leader. The School brings together GGU’s growing programs in artificial intelligence and emerging technology, including its DBA in Emerging Technology and MS in Artificial Intelligence. With hubs in San Francisco and Singapore, the School is developing a new model of technology education that combines academic rigor with close industry engagement and applied learning.

About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University (GGU) is a private, nonprofit university anchored in San Francisco and serving more than 19,000 students worldwide. GGU is reimagining higher education for the future of work as the world’s first AI-native, global, multilingual university.