UIW Welcomes New CIO | A Message from President Evans
Dear students, faculty and staff,
Much has been accomplished in our critical efforts to identify and welcome talented, Mission-driven leaders to UIW who will help us steer our university successfully into the future. Today, I am delighted to share that I have selected Ben Rueger to join UIW as our new CIO and Vice President of Innovation and Technology.
The search process was deeply considered and well-executed. I am grateful to the CIO Search Committee who together with Next Generation Partners, a firm specializing in CIO searches, vetted multiple outstanding candidates and worked to identify three exceptional finalists. During a visit to the Broadway campus in January, Ben and his fellow finalists met with the President’s Executive Council, the Dean’s Council, IT staff and leadership, members of our community and me to share more about their professional experience and background and get to know more about UIW. I also share my thanks with all across UIW who took part in these sessions and provided their insights and feedback.
Ben comes to us from the Purdue University system, where he led a digital transformation, drove AI initiatives and policy, and revamped the student experience. In doing so, he built collaborative practices working closely with faculty members and technology teams to ensure successful and clear change management. He also deeply valued his team members, fostering a positive work culture and strong relationships, resulting in improved performance.
In fact, Ben’s previous supervisor, Mitch Davidson, former CIO at Purdue Fort Wayne shared that his management was transformative. “When Ben arrived, we were experiencing a retention management problem with 50 percent turnover. Under Ben’s leadership, the department rose to nearly 100 percent satisfaction and retention. In my 37 years, he was among the best colleagues I had ever had.”
Among UIW's many qualities, Ben shared that he was drawn to the university primarily because of its Mission, adding that he is eager to offer his own contributions. He begins his new role on March 3rd and will assume the position from Vahid Shariat who served as our Interim CIO after the departure of Neil Schroeder in summer. In his six months at UIW, Vahid has led positive changes across our digital infrastructure, making particular impact through streamlining, modernizing and improving processes. He will be supporting Ben’s onboarding and transition.
This is a very dynamic time for UIW as we continue our searches for our next Provost and CFO and welcome leaders who will help us to continue elevating our university while keeping Mission at heart. I look forward to sharing more with you throughout the spring.
Praised be the Incarnate Word!
Sincerely,
Thomas M. Evans, PhD
President