Samuel S. Conn was named SUNY Empire
State College’s chief information officer and
vice president for integrated technologies.
As a member of the college’s senior leadership
team, Conn will report directly to the
president, serve on her cabinet and actively
participate in the college’s overall strategic
planning process. His appointment follows
a national search and he will join the college
June 9.
“As both a scholar and practitioner of nontraditional
modes of education, I know Sam
will be instrumental in helping us remap and
enhance how our students, faculty, staff and
alumni engage with information and technology,”
said Merodie A. Hancock, president of
the college.
“I am equally confident that Sam will play an integral role in advancing the college’s tradition of innovation and excellence in the liberal arts and open education for the benefit of the state, the communities and the nontraditional students we serve.”
Currently, Conn is the vice president of information technology and chief information officer at Southern Polytechnic State university, of the university System of Georgia.
Located in Marietta, SPSU offers programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels and its approximately 6,800 traditional and nontraditional students learn online, face to face and through a blend of both.
“It is an exciting and wonderful honor to be chosen to serve the students, faculty and staff of Empire State College,” said Conn. “The college’s unique focus, solid foundation for growth and abundance of talent provide incredible opportunities for continued innovation and advancement. I look forward to engaging with all groups to achieve the college mission.”
Conn will be responsible for leadership, planning and management in support of the college’s mission through planning, implementation and management of the college’s academic technologies, administrative systems, voice and data communications, IT security systems, project management and training and user support.
College officials said he also will play a key leadership role in how technology impacts teaching, learning and the overall organizational success of the college. Conn will lead a staff of 60 people and represent the college on SUNY system governing bodies and initiatives.
As the vice president of information technology and chief information officer for SPSU, Conn exercises his strategic management and leadership skills to anticipate new technology and to identify new uses for information. His day-to-day responsibilities include leadership, coordination and management of SPSU’s strategic technology initiatives through its information technology services division.
Prior to joining SPSU, Conn served as the vice president for information technology and online learning at Georgia Military College, where he was recruited to strengthen the technology infrastructure and resources of the college, while simultaneously moving the school into distance education through online learning.
Photo Courtesy Empire State College