Steve Burrell has been selected to serve as the new chief information technology officer at Northern Arizona University beginning July 1.
Burrell currently is vice president and chief information officer at Georgia Southern University, where he has served in a leadership role since 2007.
NAU President Rita Cheng announced the selection after a competitive national search. As NAU’s chief information technology officer, Burrell will lead an aggressive IT agenda to advance the administrative, academic and research goals of the institution. In addition, he will direct the continued integration of the university’s IT efforts, an initiative that began in 2015.
“Steve brings a wealth of experience in enterprise-scale technology systems and best practices in student, faculty and staff support,” Cheng said. “His leadership will help NAU respond to the need for strategic and integrated solutions that support teaching, learning and research in today’s rapidly changing world of technology.”
Burrell led Georgia Southern University’s transition to a central IT structure and standardized multimedia in nearly 400 classrooms, labs and meeting rooms to support modern pedagogical methods. He implemented strategic planning and effectiveness assessments, and reshaped institutional IT policies and standards.
Burrell said he was drawn to NAU by its “reputation for quality, student centeredness, strong leadership at all levels of the institution and a shared dedication to education.”
“I’m looking forward to working closely with the students, faculty and staff to build innovative technology solutions,” he said. “I’m very excited at the opportunity to be a part of the NAU community and the IT organization. This is a time when technology, information, service, teamwork and innovation are so important to realizing the university’s strategic intent.”
Burrell earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Sterling College and a master’s degree in technology administration from Plymouth State University. He holds an education specialist post-master’s degree in higher education leadership and a doctoral degree in education administration, both from Georgia Southern University.