The Ronnie K. Irani Center for Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence was founded at the Meinders School of Business in 2017 following a gift by OCU alumnus and benefactor Ronnie K. Irani. The center was established to provide clients with insights through customized analytic solutions that are adapted to their unique needs. Areas of focus include forecasting, spatial modeling, Monte Carlo analysis, optimization and machine learning.
In 2023, Irani pledged an additional gift to expand the center's reach into the area of artificial intelligence, including funding the hiring of a clinical faculty member dedicated to the center, increasing promotional efforts to drive community and corporate engagement, and boosting the number of data analytics and AI seminars at the school.
The data analytics center is directed by OCU economics professor Jacob Dearmon. With the help of a staff of students, the center conducts research for clients in a variety of areas, including businesses, governments and nonprofit organizations.
