To facilitate the implementation of CU Denver’s ambitious 2030 Strategic Plan, it’s clear that information technology is a key component of all five goals. In light of this need, the university will conduct a search for a Vice Chancellor for Technology Strategy and Innovation this summer. This position will oversee the CU Denver-centric Office of Information Technology (OIT) and the campus information technology (IT) and services infrastructure. This position will also help guide the cross-disciplinary integration of technology into academics and research.
This comes on the heels of the Digital Strategy Task Force and Interdisciplinary Computing Task Force reports, which will guide CU Denver’s digital learning strategy and vision for computing across the curriculum. Additionally, work progresses on developing CU Denver’s Strategic Enrollment Management Plan with a focus on how the university can best deliver its academic programs.
Throughout these processes, a need surfaced for a more holistic and strategic approach to IT at CU Denver, especially as it strives to become a leader in establishing a campus model that encompasses core commitments of access, flexibility, hybridity, affordability, and inclusivity in digital and in-person learning and teaching.
Reporting to Provost Constancio Nakuma and Executive Vice Chancellor of Administration and Strategy Jennifer Sobanet and working collaboratively with campus leadership, this role will work closely with faculty to understand and support teaching and research activities; develop appropriate learning processes and opportunities for faculty and students; and work with the schools, colleges and central support units to provide strategic leadership for integrating systems, technologies, and services across CU Denver’s campus.
“The digital strategy and learning vision we are pursuing requires that we be able to leverage technology to meet the core commitments of access, flexibility, hybridity, affordability, and inclusivity in digital and in-person learning and teaching,” Provost Nakuma said. “Having a leader with technological expertise and academic experience to guide and facilitate the implementation of that vision is the reason we are intentionally seeking a strong academic and research technology leader to lead this transformation.”
University leaders are in the process of empaneling a search committee—which will be chaired by Monique Snowden, Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Enrollment and Student Success, and have campuswide representation—to assist in the selection process.
An opportunity to align a more cohesive information technology model with student learning
To keep up with the rapid pace of development, the university must strategically align technology with student success and academic programming. As seen on a national and global scale, the demand for IT services continues to grow, and the need for a comprehensive and unified approach to providing technology services is becoming more apparent.
The Vice Chancellor for Technology Strategy and Innovation’s primary responsibilities will include ensuring alignment, coordination, cooperative leadership, and the continuation of quality service to the CU Denver community. These responsibilities will require working collaboratively with the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, the CU System Office and CU campuses, and the Auraria campus, including the Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC), Community College of Denver, and Metropolitan State University of Denver.
The Vice Chancellor for Technology Strategy and Innovation role is unique in higher education. Campus leaders expect the individual who earns the role to be a problem-solver and innovator; to work across boundaries; to improve processes and performance; and to rapidly move the university toward a more integrated approach to technology and its application to supporting teaching, learning, and research and creative works.
“We are seeking a leader who understands the strategic importance of information technology in achieving our ambitious strategic plan goals as well as someone who can excel in navigating our complex ecosystem,” said Executive Vice Chancellor Sobanet.