MSU announces changes in ITS leadership structure

Contact: Sid Salter

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Following a series of reviews as part of Mississippi State’s master planning process, the university is announcing changes in the leadership structure of Information Technology Services.

ITS leadership duties will now be divided between the Chief Information Officer and the newly created position of Chief Technology Transformation Officer. Under the new structure, the Chief Technology Transformation Officer will report to the provost and executive vice president, serving as a strategic advisor to MSU leadership and working to develop and implement long-term technology improvement strategies. The Chief Information Officer will report to the CTTO and focus on the day-to-day operations of ITS, leading the organization’s teams of engineers and developers.

“As the past year has shown, information technology is a vital and rapidly-changing part of any institution of higher learning,” Shaw said. “As we closely examined our current technology operations and infrastructure, it became apparent that while ITS has served the university admirably, there are challenges that must be addressed as we look toward future technology needs. Because of significant advances in technology, separating these considerable leadership roles will help to ensure the success of the university.”

A national search is currently being organized for the Chief Technology Transformation Officer position. The CTTO will work closely with the provost to oversee transformational initiatives and enable strategy execution. They will also work closely with MSU’s chief financial officer to manage overall information technology budgets and maximize resources to support the university’s strategic goals. The CTTO will have an intimate knowledge of information technology trends, forecasting challenges and opportunities to position MSU as a leader in the area.

Steve Parrott will remain in the role of Chief Information Officer, a position he has held since 2018. In the updated position, Parrott will lead the ITS design, establishment and maintenance functions in the new organizational structure and identify staffing required to accomplish university goals in information technology. He will focus on technology at the institutional level to solve problems and increase capabilities at the university level.

“Steve’s leadership and dedication to the mission of ITS has been and will continue to be invaluable,” said Shaw. “His steady hand during the pandemic really advanced the university. Steve’s decision to embrace this new structure will make him an even more effective leader as the ITS organization grows and evolves to meet new challenges.”

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.