Information Technology becomes integral part of Finance and Administration
Following the recent retirement announcement of Vice President for InformationTechnology and Chief Information Officer Danny M. Kemp, Radford University’s Division of Information Technology will become an integral part of the Division of Finance and Administration. The mission and function of the Division of Information Technology will remain unchanged; however, a new organizational framework is being implemented consistent with many other higher education institutions in the Commonwealth of Virginia and across the nation.
President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. said, “Over the 14 years in which Danny led Information Technology, he built a strong foundation for the University’s digital infrastructure, including connectivity, hardware and software, security, and systems. That foundation will continue to serve our University well for many years to come. As Radford University continues to adapt and evolve, a new administrative structure will be utilized in order to support the robust service function of Information Technology.”
Reporting to Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer Chad A. Reed, Ed Oakes, who has worked at the University for more than 25 years, will lead the Information Technology Services team effective June 25, 2020. The main campus team will continue to be housed in Walker Hall with the Radford University Carilion (RUC) team located in Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital. Serving in the role as the University’s Chief Information Officer, Ed will provide day-to-day leadership for the Information Technology Services function and staffing.
Vice President Reed said, “I am confident that Ed has the ability and skills to lead this team and ensure that the technology needs of our students, faculty, and staff continue to be met with the highest levels of both expertise and service. As a two-time Radford University alumnus, Ed is fully dedicated to and deeply passionate about our University and the important role we play in the region and the Commonwealth. On behalf of the Division of Finance and Administration, I look forward to both welcoming and working with the Information Technology Services team under Ed’s leadership as we continue to serve our campus community.”
In being asked to lead Information Technology Services in the dual role of Associate Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, Ed said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to oversee this talented team and continue enhancing the technology environment at Radford University. The success and accomplishments of Information Technology Services is possible through the dedication and commitment of an outstanding group of technology professionals who are behind the scenes working diligently to support new and ever-changing technology. I look forward to working with the Finance and Administration team along with the existing Information Technologyteam to support the needs of students, faculty, and staff as we move forward together.”
Ed currently serves as the Associate Vice President for Information Technology, a position he has held since 2009. Prior to his current position, he served as Director of Information Technology Infrastructure for two years and Director of Academic Computing for eight years, in addition to a number of other positions at Radford University.
Ed earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in technology. A respected leader and engaging colleague, Ed also completed additional training as part of the EDUCAUSE Institute’s Leadership Program.