Fred Estrella, chief information technology officer, will retire from Northern Arizona University at the end of June after more than 16 years of service to the university.
“Since my arrival in June 1999, technology has advanced at a very high rate, and I believe we’ve been able to keep up with this fast pace through the hard work and dedication of the men and women who work in Information Technology Services,” said Estrella, a retired U.S. Army colonel and West Point graduate. “I am proud to leave NAU with state-of-the-art systems and a highly skilled staff who work tirelessly with others on campus to advance student success and to keep NAU on a continued path to exceed its future goals.”
Estrella was the first chief information officer at NAU. During his time at the university, he oversaw a number of major information technology installations and upgrades, including the HR PeopleSoft system, PeopleSoft Student Administration system, Blackboard learning management system and installed the first campus-wide wireless system. His team continually upgraded internet bandwidth, campus data network and telecommunications systems to keep up with growing demand and collaborated with functional offices to use and report data to enhance informed decision making at all levels of the university.
“The NAU family will be sorry to see Fred leave, but at the same time we are happy for him as he enters this next phase of his life,” said NAU President Rita Cheng. “Fred and his division have led NAU into a new era of technology that will prepare us for the years to come.”