How Higher Ed CIOs Navigate Innovation, Security & Student Experience | DisrupTV Ep. 68

In DisrupTV Episode 68, hosts R "Ray" Wang and Vala Afshar sit down with three seasoned higher-ed technology leaders:

  • Paige Francis, Associate CIO at the University of Arkansas
  • Kelly Walsh, CIO at The College of Westchester
  • Melissa Woo, SVP & CIO at Stony Brook University

Together they explore how colleges and universities are balancing innovation, security, student experience, operational continuity, and digital resiliency in a fast-changing landscape.

Key Takeaways

Student-First Digital Transformation
The panel emphasizes centering technology strategy around the student experience. That means adopting tools and processes that ease access, enhance learning, and reduce friction (e.g. onboarding, service portals, digital collaboration).

Strengthening Cybersecurity and Operational Resilience
Given growing threats, higher education institutions are doubling down on security practices: incident response, risk management, continuity planning, and aligning with regulatory/compliance demands.

Balancing Legacy Systems & Innovation
A recurring theme: many institutions still operate on older systems (databases, LMS, identity management), which are harder to change. Innovation requires navigating complexity: integrating new, agile tools without disrupting core operations.

Collaboration Across Teams & Shared Leadership
Success depends not only on the CIO office but working cross-functionally: academic departments, student services, facility management. Breaking silos allows for co-ownership of digital tools and better alignment with institutional goals.

Agility & Adaptability in Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic and other disruptions showed that agility isn’t optional. Institutions need to be ready to pivot — remote learning, hybrid operations, emergency infrastructure. It requires both mindset and tech architecture that support quick changes.

Final Thoughts & Implications

  • For Higher Education Leaders: Prioritize a roadmap for modernization — assess which legacy systems need replacement, where to invest, and how to build capacity for change.
  • For IT/Security Teams: Develop a proactive posture toward cybersecurity: threat monitoring, response planning, regular audits, user training. Be prepared for emergencies.
  • For Students & Faculty: Expect more seamless digital interaction — portals, tools, services that anticipate needs. Transparency and communication about tech tools will matter.
  • For Policy & Funding Bodies: The digital divide in higher ed (resource availability, tech infrastructure) is still real. Support and funding for modernization and security are crucial to ensure all institutions can compete and serve students well.

Related Episodes

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Business Research Themes

Future of Work, New C-Suite, Tech Optimization

Roles

Chief Executive Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Technology Officer