Two previously independent teams have begun the complex and critical work of merging operations, combining their respective strengths and best practices to create a new, future-focused Information Technology Services.
This transformation initiative goes beyond simply merging the staffs of central IT and the former Health Sciences ITS. Chief Information Officer Brice Knotts has reimagined the organization from top to bottom, reconstituting the leadership team and developing a structure that will support a cohesive technology strategy, creating a more consistent customer experience, and identify both savings opportunities and strategic investments for the University moving forward.
Many new teams have been created, including a Research Services unit that will be dedicated to building out more supportive services for researchers and a Teaching and Learning Applications group that will manage both the SOLE and eCampus learning management systems, as well as other instructional tools like Blue (SEI), Respondus and GradeSync. The infrastructure and customer service operations have been combined to create Infrastructure and Operations, and that team will collaborate with the Community Engagement group at the Health Sciences Center to provide local, onsite support while also identifying opportunities to save money and improve efficiency.
Embracing the “Blue Sky” approach of the WVU Modernization Program, ITS will welcome creative solutions and be uninhibited by past practices. Because technology touches virtually every aspect of University work, fully merging all daily operations will be an ongoing process.
Leading that effort will be an ITS leadership team that includes positions recently filled through a competitive interviewing process. Here is an overview of the executive leadership team, with directors and assistant directors identified on each team page.
Office of the CIO, Executive Director Vicki Smith: This is a new team focused on communication and marketing, talent management and culture, financial planning and budgeting, vendor relationship and contract management, and administrative support.
Research Services, Executive Director Brent Cramer: This new team will focus on establishing a portfolio of supportive, enterprise-level technology services such as storage services, research networks and research technology consulting. It will collaborate closely with academic, research and other leaders, including non-central IT units such as the Research Computing team.
Community Engagement, Assistant Vice President Laura Roth: This team focuses on providing local deskside support for colleges at the Health Sciences Center, HSC classroom technology support and college-specific app support. It also coordinates IT support at the Beckley and Keyser campuses.
Information Security, Interim Chief Information Security Officer Lee Lawson: This group focuses on security operations, policy and standard development, risk assessments and mitigation plans, compliance management, and identity management and access to WVU systems.
Product Management, Executive Director Jerod Hall: This team is responsible for the development and administration of mission- and business-critical enterprise applications including the employee and student information systems. This group also handles IT project management.
Infrastructure and Operations, Executive Director Steve Watkins: This team ensures the reliability and delivery of core and mission-critical services such as wired and wireless internet, telecommunications, data centers and data engineering, as well as customer service.