Villanova University in Pennsylvania has named Tej Patel as its new vice president for IT and chief information officer (CIO), effective Sept. 9.
In his new role, Patel will oversee Villanova’s technology strategy to support teaching, learning, research, operations, and the student experience. As part of that, he will work to enhance coordination across all IT services, engage with Villanova stakeholders to identify technological needs and opportunities to further the school’s strategic priorities, and use technology to create intuitive, consistent service experiences for all constituents.
“The importance of a strong IT strategy and infrastructure on university campuses cannot be overstated, which is why I am delighted to have someone with Tej’s experience and vision at the helm of our IT department,” said University President Peter Donohue. “Tej’s extensive and varied IT knowledge will be invaluable to Villanova as we seek to enhance all aspects of our IT infrastructure and governance. I look forward to working with him as a member of my University leadership team.”
Previously, Patel served as the vice president and CIO at Stevens Institute of Technology. While there, he worked to overhaul the school’s IT organization. In a press release, Patel said he worked on improving processes, defining shared values and culture, and investing in new capabilities. During his tenure, Patel led multiple university-wide initiatives, including deploying an identity and access management system, instituting new data governance and reporting capabilities, and overseeing enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementations. He also enhanced communication between the IT department and its university users, in addition to managing the redevelopment of infrastructure and security strategies. He has also worked as the CIO for Penn Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania and held various IT roles at UPenn’s Annenberg School for Communication.
“Villanova is a vibrant and forward-thinking institution, and I’m truly honored to become a part of this remarkable community,” said Patel. “I am excited to represent and work alongside the talented technology team at Villanova, and I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across campus – from Father Peter and the leadership team to the board of trustees, deans, alumni, faculty, staff, and students. As Villanova’s Strategic Plan underscores, together let us become what we are not yet.”
Patel was hired after a comprehensive national search.
“I am thrilled to welcome Tej to Villanova and look forward to working closely with him as he guides the University’s information technology strategy into the future,” said Roger Demareski, Villanova University executive vice president, who led the search. “Throughout the process, we were extremely impressed with Tej’s background and experience, his proven ability to build strong teams and deliver high customer service, and his knowledge of best practices, regulatory requirements and emerging technologies.”
