Arnold Castro

Assistant Dean for Artificial Intelligence Mays Business School — Texas A&M University

Technology leader with 25+ years of experience guiding organizations through AI adoption journeys. Veteran, educator, and innovator preparing the next generation for an AI-driven world.

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About

Arnold Castro is the first Assistant Dean for Artificial Intelligence at any U.S. business school, leading the integration of artificial intelligence across research, teaching, and service functions at Texas A&M University's Mays Business School. A technology leader with 25+ years of experience, he has guided organizations worldwide through AI adoption journeys, combining military discipline from his service as an Airborne Combat Engineer with innovative leadership in the digital transformation space.

Location Greater Houston, Texas
Current Role Assistant Dean for AI
Focus Areas AI Strategy, Innovation, Education

Highlights

First AI Dean in U.S. Business Education

Appointed as the first Assistant Dean for Artificial Intelligence at any business school in the United States

$200K+ AI Competition Launch

Leading two nationwide AI competitions with over $200,000 in prizes, attracting 100+ teams from 37 universities

Perplexity Partnership Pioneer

Established groundbreaking partnership with Perplexity AI, providing premium access to entire Texas A&M community

AI Minor Program Launch

Developed and launching the nation's first AI and Business minor program, open to all Texas A&M students

Global AI Transformation Leader

Previously guided organizations worldwide through AI adoption as Chief Data & Technology Officer at MFG Analytic

Combat Veteran Technologist

Served as Airborne Combat Engineer in U.S. Army, combining military discipline with technology leadership

Experience

February 2025 - Present

Assistant Dean for Artificial Intelligence

Mays Business School - Texas A&M University

  • Leading comprehensive AI initiatives across research, teaching, and service functions
  • Overseeing two nationwide AI competitions with $200,000+ in total prizes
  • Developing AI and Business minor program and Flex Online certificate program
  • Establishing strategic partnerships with AI industry leaders including Perplexity
June 2018 - February 2025

Chief Data & Technology Officer

MFG Analytic

  • Guided organizations worldwide through AI adoption journey for 7 years
  • Developed AI-driven applications and provided strategic implementation support
  • Led innovation, vision, and strategy for global manufacturing technology leader
  • Advanced Industry 4.0 through AI, advanced analytics, and cloud computing
June 2007 - June 2018

Director of Technology

RCP Inc.

  • Led technology initiatives for 11 years
  • Managed diverse technology teams and projects
  • Drove technological innovation and efficiency improvements
April 2003 - May 2007

Combat Engineer

US Army (82nd Airborne Division)

  • Served as Airborne Combat Engineer in Iraq War
  • Demonstrated leadership under pressure and mission-critical decision making
  • Developed discipline and teamwork skills that inform current leadership approach

Skills & Certifications

AI & Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Large Language Models Deep Learning Generative AI Agentic AI

Programming & Technology

Python R Programming Cloud Computing IoT Advanced Analytics

Leadership & Strategy

Strategic Planning Innovation Management Organizational Transformation Team Leadership

Business & Industry

Digital Transformation Technology Strategy Data Analytics Process Optimization

Certifications

  • Databricks University Alliance Faculty
  • SAS-Texas A&M University Academic Specialization in Data Analytics
  • Texas A&M MBA Graduate
  • Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
  • Academy Accreditation - Databricks Lakehouse Fundamentals
  • CISSP (Cybersecurity)

Speaking & Teaching

April 2025

AI in Business Education

Start Small, Think Big Podcast

Discussing transformative role of AI in education and preparing students for AI-driven workforce

September 2025

Leading the AI Revolution in Business

Breakbulk Americas Conference

Keynote on AI transformation in business and industry applications

July 2025

YTexas Day Proclamation

Houston City Hall

Speaking at Houston Mayor's proclamation of YTexas Day

September 2025

LatinTech Pitch 2025

LatinTech Pitch Competition

Serving as judge for technology startup pitch competition

Recent Activity

September 2025

Aggie Innovators Weekly Sessions Launch

Launched weekly Monday meetups for students to collaborate on AI projects and startups

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September 2025

$100,000 AI Competition Finals

Hosting 12 finalist teams from 37 universities in inaugural AI pitch competition

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August 2025

Security Reality Check: AI Development

Published insights on security challenges in AI-assisted development and production deployment

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September 2025

Perplexity Browser Innovation Session

Leading demo of Perplexity AI's new Comet browser and agentic capabilities across industries

March 2025

AI and Business Minor Promotion

Promoting Fall 2025 launch of innovative AI and Business minor open to all Texas A&M students

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Contact

Ready to discuss AI strategy, collaboration opportunities, or speaking engagements? Let's connect.

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