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:
Who Should Attend:
Why Attend:
Wednesday, November 20 |
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8:00 am Central |
Registration and Light BreakfastMeeting Room 211/212, Level 2 |
9:00 am Central |
Welcome and IntroductionsMeeting Room 211/212 |
9:05 am Central |
Leading through Organizational ChangeMeeting Room 211/212Budgetary 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: Moderator: George Otte, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Education Kendra Ketchum, Vice President for Information Management & Technology University of Texas San Antonio Helen Mohrmann, Retired CISO, University of Texas Systems |
10:00 am Central |
Break |
10:20 am Central |
Budget Benders: Navigating Innovation in a Cash CrunchMeeting Room 211/212Imagine the challenge of navigating a complex technology landscape with limited resources. How do higher education CIOs prioritize upgrades, ensure cybersecurity, and embrace innovation while staying within budget? Explore the strategies CIOs use to navigate tight budgets and still keep up with technology's fast pace. Upgrading legacy systems, implementing new innovations, and ensuring cybersecurity all require significant resources, often exceeding available IT budgets. The panel will cover important topics like: Moderator: Frank Feagans, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, University of Texas Dallas Greg Brandenburg, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Mary Hardin-Baylor Stephanie McCane, Assistant Vice President for Business Operations and Services, University of Texas at Dallas |
11:10 am Central |
Aligning Innovations like AI with Risk Management and ROIMeeting Room 211/212How 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: Moderator: Carlos Balam-Kuk Solis, Associate Vice President, Technology Innovation, Texas State University Brenda Carmona, Director of the Instructional Technology Center, Laredo College Shiva Jaganathan, Chief Data Officer, University of Texas at Austin Maaz Amjad, Assistant Professor, Texas Tech University |
12:00 pm Central |
Morning Wrap-up and LunchMeeting Room 211/212 |
1:00 pm Central |
Vendor Management and Partnerships: The Art of the DealMeeting Room 211/212What are the key considerations for higher education institutions when selecting and managing technology vendors? The panel will share their experiences in building relationships, gaining product knowledge and navigating the sales calls, negotiating contracts, ensuring vendor performance, and fostering strategic partnerships. Attendees will hear best practices for optimizing vendor relationships, minimizing risks, and maximizing value. Discussion topics will include: Moderator: Brian Cohen, Vice President, Center for Digital Government Nassos Galiopoulus, Chief Technology Officer and Deputy Chief Information Officer, University of Texas at San Antonio Soraya Renee Rashidian, Manager, Contracts, The University of Texas System Supply Chain Alliance (UTSSCA) |
1:50 pm Central |
Industry Tech Talk - AI in Higher Education – What Tech Partners Need Higher Education to KnowMeeting Room 211/212This 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: Keith Athey, Customer Engineer, Google Richard Rose, Director, Solutions Architect, Enterprise Solution Architecture – Public Sector State, Local, and Education, Verizon Business Group |
2:45 pm Central |
Break |
3:00 pm Central |
Around the Room Conversation: What else needs to be on the IT Priority List?Meeting Room 211/212In 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 Central |
Closing Thoughts and Wrap UpConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change. |
110 E 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-4777
Greg Brandenburg
Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Deepika Chalemela
Chief Information Officer
University of Texas at Arlington
Frank Feagans
Vice President & Chief Information Officer
University of Texas Dallas
Nassos Galiopoulos
Chief Technology Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer
University of Texas San Antonio
Kendra Ketchum
Vice President for Information Management & Technology
University of Texas San Antonio
Ben Lim
Chief Information Officer
Trinity University
Carlos Solis
Principal, Former Associate Vice President for Technology Innovation, Texas State University
Yosoyx
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