The University of Arkansas has hired Chris McCoy as its new chief information officer. McCoy hails from St. Paul, Minn., where he served as the associate vice president for information technology and CIO at Metropolitan State University. He joins the UA as vice associate chancellor of Information Technology Services and CIO effective July 20.
“I am truly humbled to have been selected for such an important role at a world-class institution – such great traditions, such wonderfully gracious and hospitable people, and such a promising future,” said McCoy. "I felt welcomed from the beginning. I am now eager to get to work building a campuswide vision for technology that will help the institution achieve its aspirational goals in the years to come. Becoming a Razorback is truly a dream assignment.”
McCoy will manage the Information Technology Services department and provide leadership in all facets of university technology. He will report dually to the provost and the vice chancellor for finance and administration.
“Chris stood out in the field for his years of experience and specific understanding of our needs for taking our ITS department to the next level,” said Tim O’Donnell, interim vice chancellor for finance and administration. “I’d like to thank Dean John English and the members of the search committee for their time and great work in identifying the best candidate for the post.”
IT Services manages and supports the technology and network infrastructure for the university, as well as user services, including the Help Desks, Faculty Technology Center, Student Technology Center and General Access Computing Labs. IT Services also manages and supports campuswide technology systems including email, Blackboard Learn and related systems, ISIS, BASIS, collaboration tools, Web hosting and content management, authentication services, online forms and applications, and technology-enhanced classrooms.
“Our computing technology is the backbone of a successful research institution,” said Ashok Saxena, provost designate. “As we continue to grow, our needs to support technology and network infrastructure grow with it. We are delighted to welcome Chris McCoy to this important role.”
McCoy has 27 years of information technology experience. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and an master’s degree in systems engineering from Iowa State University, and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Iowa.