Ohio Higher Education IT Leadership Summit 2024 Banner

Overview

This one-day event is designed to convene leaders and innovators from across the state to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in higher education information technology. As institutions continue to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, cybersecurity, online learning, and data management, this summit offers a place for collaboration, learning, and strategic planning.

The Higher Education IT Leadership Summit is more than just an event; it's a strategic gathering of minds dedicated to shaping the future of technology in academia. The summit looks to help support change, inspire innovation, and equip participants with the knowledge and connections needed to lead their institutions through the IT challenges and opportunities currently in front of them and ahead of them.

Objectives:

  • Foster Collaboration: Create a forum for IT leaders to meet in-person locally and share insights, strategies, and best practices for overcoming common challenges and leveraging opportunities within the higher education sector.
  • Highlight Innovation: Showcase best practices and experiences in using technology to address new approaches to teaching, learning, and administrative operations.
  • Enhance Leadership Skills: Learn from colleagues and peers on how to develop leadership capabilities to advance careers and effectively guide IT departments and institutions.
  • Address Key Challenges: Address topics such as AI, system modernizations, cybersecurity threats, privacy regulations, cloud and infrastructure scalability, and the integration of new technologies, budget challenges, and more.
  • Explore Future Trends and Opportunities: Examine the future landscape of higher education technology, including the challenges ahead, what needs focus and attention, and the potential impact on the IT’s mission and workforce.

Who Should Attend:

  • CIOs, IT directors, technology and system managers, and other IT leaders in higher education. Also, those who are spearheading digital transformation initiatives, managing IT infrastructure, or developing innovative learning technologies. Titles include CIOs and CTOs, Deputy CIO and CTOs, CISOs and deputy CISOs, IT directors, and managers, Future IT leaders, Functional IT leaders and managers.

Why Attend:

  • Local and Sized Right: Free to attend if you work in higher education. The Summit is designed to be small and more collaborative with up to 50 invited attendees. The local venue eliminates long and costly travel outside the state.
  • Expert Panels: Engage with thought leaders and experts in discussions on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in higher education IT.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers from various institutions and industry, share experiences, and build partnerships that extend beyond the summit.

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Bryan Alexander

Bryan Alexander

Futurist, Educator, Speaker, Writer

Bryan Alexander is an award–winning, internationally known futurist, researcher, writer, speaker, consultant, and teacher, working in the field of higher education’s future.
Bryan is currently a senior scholar at Georgetown University and teaches graduate seminars in their Learning, Design, and Technology program.
Bryan speaks widely and publishes frequently, with articles appearing in venues including The Atlantic Monthly, Inside Higher Ed. He has been interviewed by and featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, MSNBC, the Wall Street Journal, US News and World Report, National Public Radio (2017, 2020, 2020, 2020, 2020), the Chronicle of Higher Education (2016, 2020), the Atlantic Monthly, Reuters, Times Higher Education, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, Pew Research, Campus Technology, The Hustle, Minnesota Public Radio, USA Today, and the Connected Learning Alliance.
From 2002 to 2014 Bryan worked with the National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education (NITLE), a non-profit working to help small colleges and universities best integrate digital technologies. With NITLE he held several roles, including co-director of a regional education and technology center, director of emerging technologies, and senior fellow. Over those years Bryan helped develop and support the nonprofit, grew peer networks, consulted, and conducted a sustained research agenda. In 2013 Bryan launched a business, Bryan Alexander Consulting, LLC. Through BAC he consults throughout higher education in the United States and abroad.
Bryan’s book Academia Next: The Futures of Higher Education (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2020), won an Association of Professional Futurists award. He latest book, Universities on Fire: Higher Education in the Age of Climate Crisis, appeared in 2023. He is currently working on Peak Higher Ed: How to Survive the Emerging Academic Crisis, under contract with Johns Hopkins. His other books include Gearing Up For Learning Beyond K-12 and The New Digital Storytelling (second edition).
He completed his English language and literature PhD at the University of Michigan in 1997, with a dissertation on doppelgangers in Romantic-era fiction and poetry. Then Bryan taught literature, writing, multimedia, and information technology studies at Centenary College of Louisiana. There he also pioneered multi-campus interdisciplinary classes, while organizing an information literacy initiative.

More
Charles Elliott

Charles Elliott

Field Chief Technology Officer and Practice Lead, Google
Mi Cyber
Charles Elliott is a field CTO and practice lead within Google Cloud, dedicated to empowering state, local and education customers with cutting-edge AI solutions. His expertise lies in leveraging Google Cloud's vast capabilities to transform public services, accelerate research and scale development teams. With over 15 years of experience in Big Data, Analytics and AI, Charles has a proven track record of helping clients design and implement innovative cloud-based solutions that streamline government operations, enhance community engagement and optimize workloads. Charles is also a trusted technical advisor to research institutions and actively champions the integration of cloud technologies in government and academic advisory boards.

More
Jennifer Anderson, Ph.D.

Jennifer Anderson, Ph.D.

Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, Columbus State Community College

As vice president and CIO, Dr. Jennifer Anderson leads Columbus State’s information technology, institutional research, and enterprise project management functions to advance the college’s strategic priorities.
Since joining Columbus State in 2008, Dr. Anderson has served in a variety of roles focused on equitable student success and the college’s overall effectiveness in pursuing its mission.
Among other achievements, she helped build the college’s data infrastructure that has guided Columbus State’s focus on student success, led the college’s conversion from quarters to semesters, and oversaw the implementation of the Workday platform for finance and HR activities. She now is leading the implementation of the Workday Student system.
Before coming to Columbus State, Dr. Anderson worked at The Ohio State University, where she served as Manager for Curricular Analysis in the Office of Undergraduate Studies. There she led report development and user training for the course and student iterations of the OSU data warehouse. Prior to that she served as Assistant Dean for Data Analysis and Technology in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she managed IT systems and led the development of regular reporting on student progress, retention, course demand, and enrollment.
Dr. Anderson earned a B.A. in History from Virginia Tech, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Russian History from The Ohio State University.

More
James Burke

James Burke

Chief Information Officer, John Carroll University

Jim has worked for John Carroll University for nearly 39 years in numerous positions of IT leadership. He was appointed the Chief Information Officer in 2018 after serving as the Associate CIO, Director of Computing and System Services, and the Director of Networking and Systems. Burke is a respected leader in higher education and has a demonstrated ability to provide superior client experiences; he is skilled in identifying and enhancing individual team members’ strengths to maximize team effectiveness. Jim has extensive experience in all areas of information technology including enterprise applications, all computing environments from mobile devices to mainframes, telecommunications, local and wide-area networking, and video/CATV production and distribution systems. He is passionate about teaching and learning technologies and delivering effective learning environments and employs a management style that facilitates the successful and effective implementation of all information technologies.
Jim completed his undergraduate studies in computer science at Cleveland State University and received his MBA in Computer Science from John Carroll University.

More
Brian Cohen

Brian Cohen

Vice President, Center for Digital Government

Brian Cohen is the Vice President of the Center for Digital Government and Center Digital Education, a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government and education. Prior to joining the Center, Brian was Vice Chancellor and University CIO for the City University of New York (CUNY).
As the Vice-Chancellor and University CIO at CUNY, Brian directed the Office of Computing and Information Services (CIS), developed, and managed the enterprise IT vision, strategy and day-to-day technology operations of the University. His areas of focus included academic and business systems, cloud strategies, IT policies and procedures, Cybersecurity, project management, IT resiliency and disaster recovery, and network and telecommunications.
Brain also served in leadership roles with the City of New York. Among his many accomplishments, Brian developed the City of New York’s E-Government strategy, implemented the City’s award-winning nyc.gov website, and managed the City’s effort to address the Y2K technology challenge.

More
Micah Cooper

Micah Cooper

Associate Vice President for Technology and Chief Information Officer, Cedarville University

Micah Cooper serves as the Associate Vice President for Technology and Chief Information Officer (CIO). In his current role, Cooper establishes the objectives, priorities, and plans for technology at the University in cooperation with University Leadership, develops appropriate budgets, staffing, and operating procedures to implement the University’s technology plans, works with the CFO, academic chairs and deans, and the Center for Teaching and Learning to ensure that appropriate technology resources are provided for the accomplishment of the academic mission of the University, and ensures that the University has the adequate and appropriate equipment, network, software, and technology infrastructure to support the needs of all University constituents.
Prior to Cedarville, Cooper held positions at Miami University including Director of Information Technology at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Network Administrator, and Network and Senior Support Specialist. Cooper attended Miami University, graduating with a BS in communications and religion, and a MBA in Management Information Systems.
Mr. Cooper believes that “The role of the CIO isn’t to be the expert. It’s really the one who knows the people and how to bring people together,” He approaches technology as more than a necessity; for him, it’s about the interactions people have with each other because of it.

More
Wesam Helou, D.B.A.

Wesam Helou, D.B.A.

Chief Information Officer, Cleveland State University 

Dr. Wesam Helou is the Chief Information Officer at Cleveland State University where he serves as a key member of the University's executive leadership team. With a distinguished record in higher education, Dr. Helou spearheads initiatives that drive institutional excellence by enhancing student outcomes, accelerating digital transformation, and ensuring IT operations are tightly aligned with the university's strategic priorities. His leadership fosters innovation in technology, positioning IT as a critical enabler of academic and operational success. Dr. Helou holds a BS in Biomedical Engineering (2011) and an ME in Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship (2012) from Wright State University, and earned his Doctorate in Business Administration, with a focus on IT, from Cleveland State University in 2024.

More
Miroslav Humer

Miroslav Humer

Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Case Western Reserve University

Miro’s leadership and operational responsibilities include university-wide technology as well as managing the technology and related personnel within the Schools and units, technology communications, customer support services and digital/new media technologies services. In addition, he is introducing new and innovative strategies and solutions to service delivery and provides oversight to business development and client management. Miro joined the Senior Leadership Team in July 2017 and has been involved in implementing [Re]Imagining IT, the CWRU IT Strategic Plan.
Prior to Case Western, Miro worked at Cleveland State University (CSU) where he served most recently as the organization’s Chief Information Officer. At CSU, he also held the title of Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships as well as Enterprise Applications Manager. Miro holds an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and master’s in management and labor Relations. He was served as chair of the Ohio Inter University Council – CIO Committee, a member of the Hyland Software Higher Education Executive Advisory Board, has presented at several national conferences and published several articles. He also teaches graduate classes at the Monte Ahuja College of Business.

More
George Otte

George Otte

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Education

After earning his PhD at Stanford in '82, George Otte spent over 4 decades in higher education, most of that at the City University of New York. In 2001 he was named Director of Instructional Technology for CUNY; the title changed to University Director of Academic Technology in 2008, the same year he became chief academic officer of the CUNY School of Professional Studies, the home of the University's first online degrees. He oversaw the development of so many (by 2022 more than two dozen) that he gave up his position with CUNY Central (as AT director) in 2018. In 2022, he stepped down as the CAO of CUNY SPS.

More
John Rathje

John Rathje

Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Kent State University 

John Rathje serves as Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Kent State University, where he leads the strategic direction of information services and drives innovation to support the university’s mission. With over 15 years of leadership in higher education and extensive experience in industry, Rathje is known for his expertise in delivering customer-focused technology solutions that enhance digital services and protect the university's stakeholders.
Before joining Kent State in 2018, Rathje held senior technology roles at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Central Michigan University, where he contributed to advancing technology in academic medicine and university operations. In addition to his work in higher education, he has founded and led technology firms, bringing industry insights into his leadership roles.
Rathje’s leadership extends to numerous regional and national committees, including EDUCAUSE and the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) Technologies Executive Committee. His contributions to the higher education technology landscape have earned him a reputation for thought leadership and innovation.
John holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Master of Science in Computer Science from Central Michigan University. He is a Leadership Institute Fellow with the Association of American Medical Colleges, reflecting his ongoing commitment to leadership and professional development in the IT and academic sectors.

More
Pankaj Shah

Pankaj Shah

Executive Director, OARnet 

Pankaj Shah is the executive director of the Ohio Academic Resources Network (OARnet). For more than 25 years he hascommitted himself to the IT infrastructure and broadband initiatives through work in private, public, research and education community, identifying trends in high-speed data transfer, videoconferencing and hybrid networking.
Under Shah's leadership, OARnet has helped Ohio become a broadband state with an expansive network backbone and research and education services while partnering with private sector to create economic development opportunities.
Prior to working as OARnet's executive director, Shah served as:
Director of infrastructure for IT services, Marquette University
Engagement manager, Resource One Computer System
Senior manager, American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT)
Division of track manager, New York City Transit Authority (MTA)
Computer science department systems administrator, City University of New York
Shah also served a previous tenure at OARnet, creating and managing the Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center (ITEC-Ohio) and as a partner in the Transportable Satellite Internet System.
Shah represented OARnet on the board of Internet2 and the Ohio Digital Government Summit. Additionally, Shah served on OhioLINK's Advisory Board, The Quilt and Internet2's governance and nominations committee, the steering committee of StateNets and contributed to the Encyclopedia of Distance Learning, 2nd Edition.
Shah received a diploma in mechanical engineering, as well as certification in advanced tool technology, from S.B.M Polytechnic in Bombay (Mumbai), India. He earned his master's degree in computer and information science from Brooklyn College, City University of New York. He most recently received his executive MBA from the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University.

More
Standish Stewart

Standish Stewart

Vice President and CIO, Cuyahoga Community College

Standish Stewart serves as the Vice President of Information Technology Services and the Chief Information Officer at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C). Throughout her 25-year career, she has worked for large consulting companies, mid-size nonprofit organizations, start-up technology firms, hospitals, and academic institutions.
An avid problem solver, Stewart enjoys transforming processes to improve the student, faculty, and staff experience. She relishes hands-on technical work as much as crafting strategy and engaging with institutional leaders to innovate and embrace new technologies.
Stewart earned her BS in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, an MS in Computer Science from the University of Michigan, and an MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Management from Cleveland State University.

More
View Speakers

Agenda

Monday, November 4

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Light Breakfast

Ballroom Foyer, Second Floor

9:00 am Eastern

Welcome and Introductions

Ballroom A

9:05 am Eastern

Keynote - Charting the Future of Higher Education: Trends, Technologies, and Transformative Strategies

Ballroom A

Bryan Alexander, Futurist, Educator, Speaker and Writer

9:55 am Eastern

Break

10:20 am Eastern

Leading Through Organizational Change

Ballroom A

Budgetary pressures can also change institutional practices and structures, urging more outsourcing, reliance on shared services, even resizing, merger, or closure. CIOs need to know about such trends, often tied to declining enrollment. But pursuing them to advantage clearly requires knowledge of actual cases as well as current trends

Discussion topics will include:

  • A review of important and applicable cases.
  • Instances of cross institutional partnerships.
  • Communication strategies and requirements.
  • Issues of legal compliance.
  • Success stories and lessons learned.
  • Moderator: Brian Cohen, Vice President, Center for Digital Education

    James Burke, Chief Information Officer, John Carroll University

    Wesam Helou, D.B.A., Chief Information Officer, Cleveland State University

    John Rathje, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Kent State University

    11:10 am Eastern

    Collaborating to Ride the Tech Wave Responsibly

    Ballroom A

    New technologies are emerging rapidly, new uses proliferating. How can you tap their potential while managing risks and staying within budget? One answer is to extend input and outreach, sharing concerns but also surfacing new possibilities. This panel of forward-thinking CIOs will share practical insights to pilot and embrace new technologies responsibly and cost-effectively.

    The panel will discuss strategies for:

  • Identifying and evaluating emerging technologies for your institution.
  • Piloting and scaling new technologies effectively.
  • Building collaborative relationships across campus, overcoming silos.
  • Confirming the impact of technology on teaching, learning, and research
  • Moderator: George Otte, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Education

    Jennifer Anderson, Vice President and CIO, Columbus State Community College

    Micah Cooper, Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Cedarville University

    Pankaj Shah, Executive Director, OARnet

    12:00 pm Eastern

    Morning Wrap-up and Lunch

    Ballroom A

    1:00 pm Eastern

    Aligning Innovations like AI with Risk Management and ROI

    Ballroom A

    How can higher education CIOs navigate the exciting, yet often risky, world of new technologies like Artificial Intelligence? AI, rapidly evolving and intensely controversial, is a useful focus for evaluating opportunities, mitigating risks, and aligning innovation with institutional goals. Attendees will gain knowledge of actionable strategies for balancing innovation with risk, understanding cost/benefit scenarios and timelines, and learn more about frameworks and tools that can support informed decision-making.

    Discussion points will include:

  • Identifying where AI can add value like adaptive tutoring, and automated grading.
  • Addressing ethical concerns (e.g., around algorithm bias and job displacement).
  • Ensuring responsible use of AI including review of emerging policy recommendations.
  • Sharing success stories and lessons learned from pilot projects and early adopters.
  • Moderator: Brian Cohen, Vice President, Center for Digital Education

    Miroslav Humer, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Case Western Reserve University

    Standish Stewart, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Cuyahoga Community College District

    1:50 pm Eastern

    Industry Tech Talk - AI in Higher Education – What Tech Partners Need Higher Education to Know

    Ballroom A

    This session of leading technology experts, from the partner community, is designed to allow the sharing of invaluable insights into the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. This session will provide higher education IT leaders with information on emerging opportunities and national trends poised to influence their world. Panel speakers will share their views on the latest AI advancements, explore the transformative potential of this cutting-edge technology, discuss strategic approaches to leveraging AI for institutional success, and offer advice on how industry can be strategic partners. This fireside chat is designed to help attendees stay ahead of the curve, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape and strategically plan for the future.

    Key topics will include:

  • Emerging AI Technologies: Discover the next wave of AI advancements that will shape the future of higher education, what’s coming next for machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics.
  • Opportunities for AI Innovation: Learn about practical applications of AI that can enhance student engagement, streamline administrative processes, and support data-driven decision-making. What are leading education institutions focusing on next?
  • National AI Trends and Their Impact: Gain insights into current national trends in AI adoption, policy developments, legal frameworks, and funding opportunities that will impact higher education institutions
  • Moderator: Brian Cohen, Vice President, Center for Digital Education

    Charles Elliott, Field Chief Technology Officer and Practice Lead, Google

    2:45 pm Eastern

    Break

    3:00 pm Eastern

    Around the Room Conversation: What else needs to be on the IT Priority List?

    Ballroom A

    In this transformative and fast-paced era of higher education technology, the IT priority list is continually evolving. From cybersecurity to infrastructure upgrades, institutions are juggling a myriad of critical projects. But what else deserves a spot on this ever-growing list? In this rapid-fire group conversation, we will identify what requires more time, conversation, focus, and leadership within IT organizations, as well as the critical roles that are essential for the success of these important initiatives.

    3:30 pm Eastern

    Closing Thoughts and Wrap Up

    Ballroom A

    Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

    Tinkham Veale University Center at Case Western Reserve University

    11038 Bellflower Road
    Cleveland, OH 44106
    (216) 368-5681

    Get Directions To
    Tinkham Veale University Center at Case Western Reserve University

    Advisory Board

    Education Representatives

    Jim Burke
    Chief Information Officer
    Information Technology Services
    John Carroll University

    Micah Cooper
    Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer
    Information Technology
    Cedarville University

    Miroslav Humer
    Vice President and Chief Information Officer
    University Technology
    Case Western Reserve University

    John Rathje
    Vice President and Chief Information Officer
    Information Technology
    Kent State University

    Pankaj Shah
    Executive Director
    OARnet

    Standish Stewart
    Vice President and Chief Information Officer
    Information Technology Services
    Cuyahoga Community College District

    Registration Information / Contact Us

    Contact Information

    2025 Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact:

    Heather Earney
    Center for Digital Education
    Phone: (916) 932-1339
    E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

    Venue

    Tinkham Veale University Center at Case Western Reserve University

    11038 Bellflower Road
    Cleveland, OH 44106
    (216) 368-5681