An Indian-origin couple has made a $20 million gift to the University of North Texas (UNT), one of the largest investments in its artificial intelligence and advanced analytics programmes. The donors, Anuradha and Vikas Sinha, will now have their names attached to a new college at the university.But behind the large donation is a more personal story. Both came to the US from India for higher education. Their latest gift reflects a belief that education can change the direction of a person’s life, much as it did for them.
Who are Anuradha and Vikas Sinha?
The couple began their academic journeys in India. Both earned bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering from Sri Venkateswara University before moving to the United States for further education, as per media reports. They also earned graduate degrees from Florida Atlantic University.Vikas later studied at Northwestern University and eventually returned to UNT, where he completed his PhD in 2023. He now serves as a senior executive in Broadcom’s mainframe software business and has been part of the UNT College of Information Leadership Board since 2023.Their connection with UNT, therefore, is not simply that of donors writing a cheque. Vikas is also an alumnus of the university.
Why did they donate $20 million?
The couple says education opened doors for them, and they want to help keep those doors open for others.“Education has opened doors for us throughout our lives, and we want to hold those doors open for others,” Vikas said.That idea sits at the heart of their philanthropy. The couple has previously supported UNT’s data science programmes with major gifts.In 2024, their funding helped establish the Anuradha and Vikas Sinha Department of Data Science. In 2025, another $2.15 million gift helped create the Sinha Data Science Innovation Lab.
What will the new Sinha College study?
The $20 million gift will create the Anuradha and Vikas Sinha College of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics.The college will bring together work in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, health informatics, advanced analytics and learning technologies.It will also establish six permanent endowments supporting scholarships, professorships, research, college leadership, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies.That makes the donation broader than simply funding classrooms. It is designed to support students, teachers and research for years.
Why does their immigrant journey matter?
The couple arrived in America as students. Today, their contribution will help create opportunities for students following similar paths.Vikas has described the gift as a way of “paying that opportunity forward”. He also argued that immigrants do not merely participate in the American dream but help build it.That makes the naming significant. The college is not only carrying the donors’ names. It also reflects the journey of two students who once came to the US seeking education and eventually returned to their university as major benefactors.Disclaimer: This article is based on information released by the University of North Texas and other cited sources. The university’s statements about the donation, its purpose and the couple’s background have not been independently verified by TOI.
