With data becoming increasingly important to people in many roles, the Chief Data Officer (CDO) has...
Higher Education as a Cloud-Based Community
Higher Education IT does more than just keep the lights on. These men and women are also partners working to empower institutions with technology to realize operational and strategic goals and improve systems necessary for students and faculties to succeed.
The future of higher education is not confined to physical campuses or traditional IT structures. Instead, institutions must embrace a cloud-based community approach that leverages technology to improve student outcomes, enhance collaboration, and drive efficiency. Rick Smith, Chief Information Officer at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), shares his insights on how IT can be a strategic partner in transforming education and creating a more agile, data-driven academic environment.
From the Trenches to Leadership: A Hands-On Approach
Rick Smith’s journey to becoming a CIO is marked by his deep-rooted experience in IT, spanning multiple industries. Starting as an application programmer, Smith climbed the ranks through database administration, operations, and middle management before reaching senior leadership roles. But what set his career apart was his decision to remain hands-on in his leadership style.
“In the trenches, I can talk design, implementation, and strategy with my team while also maintaining a high-level strategic vision,” Smith explains. “Being hands-on doesn't mean micromanaging—it means understanding enough to make informed decisions and to communicate effectively between technical teams and business leadership.”
This balanced approach allows Smith to stay connected to both emerging technologies and the day-to-day challenges of his team, making IT a powerful force for institutional change.
Bridging IT and Institutional Goals
When Smith transitioned to higher education, he quickly recognized that many challenges in academia are the same as those in other industries—siloed data, fragmented systems, and the struggle to integrate new technologies effectively. However, what stood out to him was the mission-driven focus of higher education and the need to align IT strategies with institutional goals.
“Higher education IT is about more than just keeping the lights on,” says Smith. “It’s about selecting and leveraging the right technologies to support faculty, staff, and students. Our job is to help the institution work smarter, not harder.”
PCOM has embraced digital transformation by investing in cloud-based solutions and modernizing IT operations. This shift not only enhances efficiency but also reduces costs that would otherwise be passed on to students, making education more accessible.
Eliminating Shadow IT and Enhancing Collaboration
One of the most significant challenges in higher education IT is shadow IT, where departments independently adopt software solutions outside of IT’s oversight. This can lead to security risks, data silos, and unnecessary expenses. Smith emphasizes the importance of proactive engagement with faculty and staff to ensure that IT solutions align with institutional needs.
“When departments feel like they’re not getting what they need from IT, they find their own solutions,” Smith notes. “Our job is to anticipate those needs, offer innovative solutions, and create an open dialogue so that IT becomes a trusted partner rather than an obstacle.”
Harnessing the Power of Data and AI for Student Success
Data is one of the most valuable assets in higher education, yet many institutions struggle to unlock its full potential. Smith is leading an initiative at PCOM to develop a modern data warehouse, integrating disparate systems into a centralized data lake.
“Right now, we primarily use data for descriptive reporting—looking back at what happened,” says Smith. “The future lies in predictive and prescriptive analytics powered by AI and machine learning. By analyzing early indicators of student disengagement or academic struggle, we can intervene proactively and improve student outcomes.”
This shift toward AI-driven decision-making could revolutionize student support services, helping institutions identify and assist at-risk students before they fall behind.
The CIO’s Role in the Broader Higher Ed Community
Higher education IT leaders are not just responsible for their own institutions—they play a crucial role in a larger community of CIOs who share insights and best practices. Smith has found great value in networking with other higher ed IT leaders, learning from their experiences while also bringing fresh perspectives from his background in healthcare, software development, and telecommunications.
“There’s a wealth of knowledge within the higher ed IT community,” Smith says. “By collaborating, we can tackle shared challenges, from cybersecurity threats to the integration of emerging technologies.”
Disrupting Higher Ed with a Cloud-Based Mindset
Smith believes that a cloud-first, data-driven approach is essential for the future of higher education. The traditional model of IT—rigid, on-premises infrastructure—no longer meets the needs of modern institutions. Instead, colleges and universities must think of themselves as cloud-based communities, where data flows freely, collaboration is seamless, and students receive personalized support through AI-driven insights.
“Higher education is at an inflection point,” says Smith. “By embracing cloud technologies, breaking down data silos, and leveraging AI, we can create a smarter, more agile academic ecosystem that truly puts students first.”
Conclusion: The Path Forward for Higher Education IT
Rick Smith’s vision for the future of higher education IT is clear: embrace innovation, eliminate inefficiencies, and use technology as a tool to empower students and educators alike. As institutions face declining enrollment and rising costs, IT must play a strategic role in ensuring sustainable, scalable solutions that enhance student success while reducing administrative burdens.
Key takeaways from Smith’s approach include:
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A hands-on leadership style that bridges the gap between technical teams and institutional leadership.
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Proactive IT partnerships to prevent shadow IT and improve efficiency.
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AI and predictive analytics to drive better student outcomes.
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Engagement with the broader higher ed IT community to share knowledge and best practices.
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A cloud-based, data-driven mindset to transform higher education into a more flexible, student-centric model.
For institutions looking to future-proof their IT strategies, Smith’s message is simple: stop thinking of IT as a support function and start treating it as a strategic enabler of student success.
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