Office of the Vice President for IT
Welcome from Debra Allison, Vice President for IT & CIO
Miami University is at a defining crossroads. Poised between the need to reduce expenses, while continuing to nurture and grow its reputation for excellence, Miami is charting a course for the future that will reflect these new realities. As a 21st Century institution, Miami will leverage technology to provide increased efficiency for a plethora of basic services and as a lens for innovation.
New words have entered our vocabulary, such as “sourcing” and “shared services”. New uncertainty has also become part of our planning and operations, with budget cuts and staff reductions. This new austerity does not simply mean cutting services, but rather a thoughtful and managed approach to not only what services are offered, but how those services are provided.
Taking its root in the needs and desires of faculty, staff and students – and informed by consultants engaged both state-wide and locally – the strategic plan for IT at Miami is taking shape in this new environment. This plan will illuminate technology’s role in maximizing administrative efficiency, while serving as a key player in strategic growth and collaboration.
A member of the English faculty recently said, “IT needs to move beyond being a service organization to being a partner.” I am pleased to say that IT at Miami is prepared to step up and play its role in this moment in Miami’s history as a collaborator, partner, advisor and supporter of the mission and vision as articulated by President Hodge.
Debra Allison
Vice President for Information Technology and CIO
January 11, 2011