Auburn University names O'Connor chief information officer

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Auburn University has named James "Jim" O'Connor of Georgia Institute of Technology as its chief information officer following a national search, effective Oct. 1, announced today by Provost Timothy Boosinger.

O'Connor has served as Georgia Tech's vice president for information technology and chief information officer since 2010, after starting his career there in 1994.

"He will provide strong leadership for Auburn in the ever-changing field of information technology," Boosinger said. "We look forward to his guidance and development of a strategic IT plan that will keep Auburn at the forefront."

O'Connor will report to President Jay Gogue and will have oversight of all aspects of information systems for the university, including information technology governance; strategic planning; management of cybersecurity; delivery of central information technology services; development of research computing networks; and launching new technology initiatives with a focus on the enhancement of student and faculty success.

"Auburn is committed to providing state-of-the-art technology for our students and faculty," Auburn Executive Vice President Don Large said. "This includes classroom technology, research capability and academic support, all of which enhance student success and attract top faculty to Auburn."

Boosinger says the new position of chief information officer was created to ensure that Auburn has the information systems and technology to support all programs, both now and in the future, and the policies and strategies necessary to support all aspects of Auburn's mission.

O'Connor succeeds interim chief information officer Bliss Bailey who will continue to serve as executive director of the Office of Information Technology.

"I'm thrilled to be joining Auburn University," O'Connor said. "I'm looking forward to working with a group of people who obviously care so deeply about the faculty, staff, researchers and students. My wife, Pat, and I hope to fully be engaged both here on campus and in the larger Auburn community.

"Auburn's Office of Information Technology is a respected service provider on campus. With new technologies come the opportunity to expand the office's services and provide a greater level of support for the academic, research and business missions of the university. We'll work collaboratively with the IT professionals across campus to effectively deliver secure services how, where and when those services are needed."

At Georgia Tech, O'Connor has had oversight of the Office of Information Technology and overall campus information technology strategy. He served previously as a U.S. Air Force officer for 20 years in various assignments including chief of plans and programs at the Air Force Institute of Technology. He earned his bachelor's degree in computer science in 1986 at Texas State University and his MBA with a concentration in information systems in 1991 at Golden Gate University.

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