University of Oklahoma

Dennis Aebersold, Ph.D.
CIO and VP for Information Technology

Dennis Aebersold joined the University of Oklahoma (OU) in 2000 and has transformed the University from a place where students stood 'in line' for services to a place where students access an online community of services that contribute to their learning experience. In recognition of his leadership, in 2002 the student body selected Dennis to receive the Neustadt Award for Outstanding Service to OU students.

The University of Oklahoma is now first in the Big 12 in connectivity and one of PC Magazine's 2007 Top 20 Wired Colleges.

His vision for OU's technology future includes:

• The improvement and standardization of learning spaces to increase utilization of technology tools in education.
• The development of partnerships between OU Information Technology and colleges across campus to allow more effective and efficient delivery of technology services.
• The continued expansion of collaborative research computing and cyberinfrastructure to enhance the University's stature among research universities and boost the state's economy.

A recognized expert in the IT field of higher education, Dennis is focused on aligning technology talent, resources, and services to advance and support the University's Mission. He is leading OU to the cutting edge of emerging technologies, from secure wireless connectivity to multi-disciplinary supercomputing (the OU Supercomputing Center for Education and Research - http://oscer.ou.edu).

Computerworld recognized Dennis's success, naming him one of its Premier 100 IT Leaders for 2007.

"Dennis Aebersold is very deserving of this outstanding national recognition," said OU President David L. Boren. "His leadership has helped take OU into the top ranks of all universities in technological tools available to students and faculty."

People - not technology - are Dennis's greatest resource as a CIO; his organization reflects his leadership. In 2006, Computerworld named OU IT one of the 100 Best Places to Work in IT.

Dennis holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from Brown University and has conducted Post Doctoral research at Harvard and Duke Universities. He also has extensive experience as an advisory board member for various organizations, including SURA's Networking and Technology Committee, and OneNet. His life as a teacher, administrator, leader, and IT change agent has spanned over 30 years in higher education.

Selected professional activities include:

• Board of Directors, 1997-1999
• Member and Institutional Representative, 1990-ongoing
• Program committee, 1994 annual meeting

• Presenter, annual meeting 1992
• Chair annual meeting 1993
• Board of Directors, 1994-97
• Chairman of the Board, 1996-1997

• State of Pennsylvania
• 1996-1997

• Founding Member, Board of Trustees 1994-1996

• Selected to participate in the Network Assessment program 1997
• Institutional Representative
• Member CNI Task Force
• Participant, CNI working panel to prepare for the United States Congress
• a white paper on the impact of networking in higher education

• Member Steering Committee, 1988-89

Dennis's vision for IT's role in promoting, extending, and supporting research computing is driven by his passion and commitment to OU's students. He is excited by the opportunities research computing can provide in connecting world-class researchers, faculty, private industry and economic development partners who can contribute as catalysts and role models for the future citizens, leaders, scientists, artists, and creative thinkers at OU.

Dennis Aebersold, Ph.D., University Vice President & Chief Information Officer
aebersold@ou.edu; phone: (405) 325-9222

Loretta Early, Associate Vice President
learly@ou.edu; phone: (405) 325-9222

Pam Ketner, Executive Assistant to the Vice President
pketner@ou.edu; phone (405) 325-7413

Jeralyn Snow, Director of Talent/Leadership Dev and Organizational Programs
jjsnow@ou.edu

Eddie Huebsch, Director of IT Projects
ehuebsch@ou.edu

Matt Younkins, Director of Infrastructure and Communication Technologies
younkinsm@ou.edu

Matt Singleton, Director of External Relations
msingle@ou.edu

Craig Cochell, Director of Partnership Services
craigc@ou.edu

Henry Neeman, Director of OSCER
hneeman@ou.edu

Anna Biggers, Director of IT Business Strategy
abiggers@ou.edu

Mike Sewell, Director of Security and Business Continuity
msewell@ou.edu

Fred Keller, Director of Data Center Operations
fkeller@ou.edu

Glenn Crouch, Director of Applications
gcrouch@ou.edu

The Office of the University Vice President is located at 660 Parrington Oval (Evans Hall, Room 321), Norman, Oklahoma 73019-0390.