Texas Southern University (Texas Southern) seeks a dynamic, distinguished executive to serve as its next Vice President, Chief Information Officer (CIO). This is an extraordinary opportunity to transform information technology at a progressive university that has an innovative culture and is experiencing positive momentum and results in areas including academics, research, and student success.
Located in Houston, Texas Southern is a comprehensive doctoral institution offering a broad academic portfolio of more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across ten academic colleges and schools. Founded in 1927, Texas Southern has a long-standing reputation as a leading producer of diverse talent, growing from an initial cohort of 300 students to approximately 9,000 students today. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Texas Southern is designated as a special-purpose institution with a focus on urban programming and research. It is one of only 13 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to achieve the Carnegie Classification of Doctoral University—High Research Activity (R2), with research momentum evidenced by a 48 percent increase in grant awards over the past two fiscal years. In addition, Texas Southern University has been classified as a 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classified campus.
Administratively reporting to the Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer and serving as a contributing member of the President’s Cabinet, the CIO will provide the strategic and operational leadership for the IT enterprise. The CIO will develop and execute an IT strategy that is aligned with Texas Southern’s strategic plan. Known as Ascend 2030, the university’s strategic plan includes a major component dedicated to technology and artificial intelligence.
Currently, the CIO role is held by an outsourced, interim leader. The new, permanent CIO will have the opportunity to fully evaluate the existing technology environment and develop the leadership team, structure and processes to effectively meet the mission and priorities of the university. This is an exciting time to join Texas Southern as the CIO to lead key initiatives including the integration of AI and data analytics across the university. In addition, the CIO will oversee the modernization of the infrastructure, implementation of a new ERP, and enhancing academic and research computing to support innovation and excellence.
The ideal candidate will be an energetic and visionary leader with demonstrated experience leading enterprise technology in a higher education institution. The CIO will have the ability to develop strategy and execute. This individual will bring exceptional relationship building skills and promote a collaborative, inclusive culture. The CIO must be a strong communicator, a trusted partner across the institution, and a team builder with the ability to attract, mentor, and retain top IT talent. The CIO will balance competing priorities and resources while driving innovation.
Please direct all applications, nominations and inquiries through the WittKieffer portal.
Applications should include, as separate documents, a resume and a cover letter.
All inquiries, applications, and nominations will be held in the highest confidence.
Any additional questions can be sent to consultants assisting Texas Southern University with this recruitment, via email, to Katie Mazzuckelli at kmazzuckelli@wittkieffer.com.
It is the policy of Texas Southern University to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, individuals with disability, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. This policy of equal opportunity is strictly observed in all University employment-related activities such as advertising, recruiting, interviewing, testing, employment training, compensation, promotion, termination, and employment benefits. This policy expressly prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, genetic history, national origin, individuals with disability, age, citizenship status, or protected veteran status. This policy shall be adhered to in accordance with the provisions of all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
