Texas Higher Education IT Leadership Summit 2026
Overview
Where higher education IT leaders shape what’s next.
The Texas Higher Education IT Leadership Summit is an exclusive, invite-only gathering for CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, and senior IT leaders from higher education institutions across the state. Focused on today’s most critical priorities including cybersecurity, infrastructure, data strategy, AI, and digital learning, this one-day summit delivers actionable insights, real-world strategies, and valuable peer connections. Attendees will engage with peers, exchange ideas, and explore innovative approaches that support institutional goals and drive student and organizational success.
Who Should Attend: Senior IT leaders, technology managers, and academic innovators responsible for shaping and advancing IT strategy within higher education institutions.
The rapid evolution of technology has driven dramatic changes in higher education industry. I am looking forward to socializing and learning the latest trend, capabilities, and best practices at the Texas Higher Education IT Leadership Summit.
- Lin Zhou, Ph.D., Vice President for Information Technology, Chief Information Officer, and Executive Director of AI & Quantum Computing, Texas Tech University
Agenda
Tuesday, December 15 |
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8:30 am Central |
Registration and Continental Breakfast |
9:00 am Central |
Welcome, Introductions, and Opening Remarks |
9:10 am Central |
From AI Pilots to Campuswide Practice: Who Owns the Strategy?As AI use spreads across campus, institutions need a clear way to decide which projects move beyond the pilot stage and who is responsible for those decisions. Panelists will compare approaches to oversight and scaling, including how academic, administrative, and technology teams can work together. The conversation will address responsible use policies, visibility into the tools employees use, data privacy, and security safeguards that support useful innovation.
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10:00 am Central |
Networking Break |
10:20 am Central |
The Capacity Crunch: Budgets, Staffing, and the Cost of AIHigher education IT leaders face rising service demands with limited budgets and hard-to-fill positions. Panelists will discuss how institutions rank competing requests, make better use of existing investments, and decide where scarce staff time will have the greatest effect. They will consider the full cost of AI, from licenses and infrastructure to support and training, and ways to make a stronger case for investments that improve campus operations.
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11:10 am Central |
The SaaS Shift: Modernizing ERP Without Losing the CampusMoving from customized legacy systems to SaaS requires institutions to rethink processes as well as platforms. Panelists will examine ERP selection, migration, and data cleanup, including the complications of complex academic terms and student systems at community colleges. The discussion will explore the shift from customization to configuration, the role of subject matter experts in IT and business units, and how AI capabilities influence enterprise system decisions.
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12:00 pm Central |
Lunch and Networking |
1:00 pm Central |
When AI Meets an ERP Incident: A Campus Cyber TabletopA developing incident involving an AI tool and a critical enterprise system puts campus services and sensitive data at risk. In this interactive exercise, attendees will work through three stages at their tables, responding to new information and weighing choices about containment, communication, continuity, and recovery. Facilitators will bring operational and security perspectives to the debrief as participants compare decisions and identify gaps in their response plans.
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2:00 pm Central |
Leading the Human Side of Technology TransformationMajor system changes can alter jobs that staff have held for many years. Panelists will share approaches to assessing skills and interests, preparing employees for new responsibilities, and communicating change without creating unnecessary anxiety. The discussion will look at upskilling, support for managers, and the experience of people who use and deliver campus services.
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2:50 pm Central |
AI in Practice: A Rapid Fire Campus ShowcaseThree presenters will share practical AI applications relevant to campus work. Each example will cover the problem addressed, how the approach was implemented, what results emerged, and what other institutions might adapt. A moderated discussion will connect the examples to the priorities raised throughout the day.
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3:40 pm Central |
Closing Remarks |
3:50 pm Central |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.
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Thompson Conference Center at The University of Texas at Austin
2405 Robert Dedman Drive
Austin, TX 78712
512-471-3121
Thompson Conference Center at The University of Texas at Austin
Advisory Board
Education Representatives
Greg Brandenburg
Vice President for Information Technology & Chief Information Officer
Information Technology
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Nassis Galiopoulos
Chief Technology Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer
University Technology Solutions
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Ben Lim
Chief Information Officer
Information Technology Services
Trinity University
Henry Rose
Interim Chief Information Officer
Center for Information Technology Excellence
Prairie View A&M University
Barry Sullivan
Chief Information Officer
Information Technology
Houston City College
Lin Zhou
Vice President & Chief Information Officer
Information Technology
Texas Tech University
Registration Information / Contact Us
Event Date: December 15, 2026
Open to higher education institutions only.
Registration - Free
If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.
This event is open to all individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.
Contact Information
Need help registering, or have general event questions? Contact:
Lindsay Anthis
Center for Digital Education
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1495
E-mail: lanthis@erepublic.com
Already a sponsor, but need a hand? Reach out to:
Mireya Gaton
Center for Digital Education
A division of e.Republic
Phone:(916) 296-2617
E-Mail: mgaton@erepublic.com
Want to sponsor and stand out? Reach out to explore opportunities!
Heather Earney
Center for Digital Education
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 365-2308
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com