Information Technology Services Kicks Off Strategic Planning Efforts

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 7, 2017) — University of Kentucky Chief Information Officer Brian Nichols recently announced that Information Technology Services (ITS) had begun its strategic planning efforts. “We recognize information technology is a great enabler of teaching and learning, of research, of the student experience, of the efficiency and effectiveness of campus operations, and of the university’s outreach and broader impact.

“The IT strategic plan will strive to provide an environment which features a wealth of information technology resources, wherein IT infrastructure and services are innovative and readily available to provide exceptional support to students, faculty and staff in their endeavors to uphold the UK mission,” Nichols said.

Five strategic planning task forces, with over 100 representatives from faculty, staff and university leadership, will recommend initiatives to shape the future of IT at the university. ITS will also engage students during the planning process through focus groups.

The ITS tasks forces, chairs and co-chairs are:

• Enterprise Systems Enablement:
  • Catie Lasley, executive director of human resources; and 
  • Lisa Wilson, associate provost for finance operations.
• Infrastructure:
  • Kelly Smith, associate dean of Academic and Student Affairs in College of Pharmacy; and 
  • Mary Beth Thomson, senior associate dean of Collections, Digital Scholarship and Technical Services at UK Libraries.
• Research Enablement and Outreach:
  • Jim Griffioen, faculty member of the Department of Computer Science and director of Center for Computational Sciences; and 
  • Mark Lauersdorf, associate professor of linguistics and director of Collaboratory for Research in Computing for Humanities.
• Teaching and Learning:
  • Roger M. Brown, assistant professor of agricultural economics and director of undergraduate studies in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; and
  • Brian Jackson, faculty member of the Department of Physiology and interim dean of the Graduate School.
• Student IT Enablement:
  • Beth Kraemer, information literacy librarian at UK Libraries; and 
  • Drew Smith, interim assistant provost for student health and wellness in Student and Academic Life.

Over the spring semester, these groups will also determine key areas of recommendation and action items to advance IT infrastructure and services. This process will enable UK to continue in the creative use, application and provisioning of IT in support of the university’s strategic plan.

For inquiries or feedback, please contact Jennifer.Edwards@uky.edu