In an environment where access to up-to-date and availabletechnology is becoming increasingly crucial for success, skillfuland knowledgeable leadership is essential.
Douglas Hurley, newly appointed vice president for InformationTechnology and chief information officer, brings a wealth ofexperience and optimism to provide the best technological resourcesavailable to The University of Memphis.
For The University's centennial in 2012, Hurley hopes to ensurethat technology is used in as many ways possible. If theimplementation of new technologies across campus continues as ithas in recent years, that goal is achievable, he said.
"By any measure, The U of M is doing a very good job and can beproud of the way technology is used here," Hurley said.
Through purchasing agreements with Dell and Microsoft, 24-hourcomputer labs, wireless capability across campus and "excellent"Internet connectivity, members of The U of M community have accessto the knowledge necessary to thrive in the Internet economy.
And through continued support of technology initiatives incollege curricula, teachers are finding innovative ways toincorporate technology to provide the "best possible learningexperience" for students, Hurley said.
Responsibilities as vice president and chief information officerinclude management and budgeting for critical services as well asexpanding the role of technology to enable The University'smission.
"Dr. Raines' goal for The University of Memphis is to berecognized as one of the great metropolitan research universitiesin the U.S.," Hurley said. "I was attracted to come here because ofthat vision."
Utilizing technology to its fullest capabilities is one way tomake that vision a reality. Though the process will requirecommitment, cooperation and hard work, Hurley said he is confidentin The University's potential.
"It's very doable," he said. "I'm absolutely convinced fromtalking to deans, faculty, the president and executive staff thatwe can get there."
Before coming to The U of M in July, Hurley worked as directorof university relations at Gartner Inc., the world's largesttechnological research firm. At The University of Kentucky, heserved as associate vice president for Information Technology andas chief information officer of their Academic Health ServicesCenter and established the Supercomputer Center for theCommonwealth of Kentucky.
