Biography:

Jason Davis  serves as the Chief Information Officer at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He has overall responsibility for the delivery of academic technology, end user support, computing, network, telecommunications, application development, and classroom technology services for the campus. In addition to his extensive leadership experience in higher education, Jason has a broad teaching and public service portfolio.

Education 

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities 

Doctor of Education, Educational Policy and Administration (2006)

University of Minnesota, Duluth

Master of Liberal Studies, Technology and Humanities (2000)

University of Minnesota, Duluth 

Bachelor of Arts, English (1994)

Professional Experience

Chief Information Officer and Strategic Advisor to the Chancellor 

University of Minnesota, Duluth (August 2023 – Present)

• Lead the campus reorganization of Human resources, Finance, Marketing and Communications, and Information Technology through the PEAK Project (Positioned for Excellence, Alignment and Knowledge) for more efficient, compliant, and equitable service delivery at the University.

• Direct a complex annual budget of approximately $6 Million, including recurring and nonrecurring funds, restricted funds, capital equipment replacement funds, indirect cost recovery funds, internal sales, and external sales.

• Provide strategic vision and direction through the supervision of 4 information technology managers, 40 information technology professionals, 60 student employees, and several cascading work and project teams. Provide guidance for an additional 30 information technology professionals in aligned units.

• Advocate campus priorities as a leader in system-wide communities of practice and at UMN IT Strategic Leadership activities.

Chief Information Officer 

University of Minnesota, Duluth (May 2014 – Present)

• Oversee administrative and operational activities of Information Technology Systems and Services at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.

• Direct a complex annual budget of approximately $6 Million, including recurring and nonrecurring funds, restricted funds, capital equipment replacement funds, indirect cost recovery funds, internal sales, and external sales.

• Cultivate a rewarding and engaging work environment to encourage innovation and continuous improvement in information technology services.

• Collaborate with campus partners to define and accomplish goals meeting academic, research, and business needs.

• Provide strategic vision and direction through the supervision of 4 information technology managers, 40 information technology professionals, 60 student employees, and several cascading work and project teams. Provide guidance for an additional 30 information technology professionals in aligned units.

• Navigate security policies, audits and risk assessments for campus units in collaboration with systemwide offices.

• Advocate campus priorities as a leader in system-wide communities of practice and at UMN IT Strategic Leadership activities.

Manager of Academic Technology and Finance 

University of Minnesota, Duluth (2012 - 2014)

• Managed academic technology applications and support, classroom technology, student computing labs, audio-visual services, the Multi Media Hub, and departmental finances, including supervision of staff in each area.

• Managed a complex annual budget in excess of $5.5 Million including recurring and nonrecurring funds, restricted funds, capital equipment replacement funds, indirect cost recovery funds, internal sales, and external sales.

• Contributed to strategic planning and implementation of campus-wide information technology initiatives.

• Performed needs assessment, planning, budgeting, asset acquisition, and implementation for general purpose learning spaces, including 90 classrooms and 15 computer labs.

Manager of Classroom Technology and Service 

University of Minnesota, Duluth (2003 - 2012)

• Managed data entry services, classroom technology, student computing labs, information technology help desk, audio-visual services, the Multi Media Hub, and the Visual and Digital Imaging Research Lab, including supervision of staff in each area.

• Managed a complex annual budget in excess of $1.4 Million and including recurring and nonrecurring funds.

• Developed and wrote human resource policies for a staff of 40 information technology professionals and acted as human resources liaison for the department.

• Contributed to strategic planning and implementation of campus-wide information technology initiatives.

• Performed needs assessment, planning, budgeting, asset acquisition, and implementation for general purpose learning spaces, including 90 classrooms and 15 computer labs.

Coordinator of Student Computing

University of Minnesota, Duluth (1996 - 2003)

• Managed over 100 student computer lab and web development consultants including hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluations.

• Coordinated fourteen computer labs including Windows, Macintosh, and Unix platforms.

• Worked with faculty, staff, and students to adapt computing services as needs evolved and technology changed.

Selected Projects:

• PEAK: Positioned for Excellence, Alignment and Knowledge (2022-present) - the realignment of our people to the way we will do work in the future for more efficient, compliant, and equitable service delivery at the University.

• Systemwide Scaled Agile Framework (2020) – Currently rolling out a pilot project to leverage modern project management methodology and tools across the enterprise.

• Migration to Zoom Videoconferencing Platform (2019-2020) – Contributed as a member of the systemwide Zoom Steering Committee, conducting needs assessment work and an RFP process to choose the new videoconferencing platform for the UMN system.

• NGN Network Implementation (2017 – 2020) – Provided campus leadership as part of a systemwide transition from legacy network hardware and software to the Next Generation Network, including complete replacement of wireless, edge, and data center hardware and software.

• Migration to Canvas LMS (2018 - 2020) – Directed UMD efforts as part of a systemwide team to migrate from the legacy learning management system into Canvas while also spinning down redundant services.

• Annual Benchmarking Process (2019) - Expanded the ITSS annual report and needs assessment to include more detailed and direct benchmarking participating in the national survey as part of EDUCAUSE CORE. 

• IT Service Catalogue (2018) - Leveraged ITIL principles to develop a Service Catalogue for ITSS, populated with Service Level Agreements.

• IT Governance Improvement Project (2016) - Produced an annual report outlining IT values, goals, expenditures, and accomplishments. Met with campus governance and each business unit to discuss alignment among system, campus, IT, and unit goals to refine IT activities on a three-year cycle. 

• ITSS Culture & Values, Work Prioritization, and Appraisal Process (2014) -Redefined the culture, values, and work prioritization methodology as part of a new merit pay appraisal process. Used World Cafe style meetings, one-on-one meetings, modeling, online collaboration, and extensive consultation and collaboration with other University of Minnesota units to determine the best available solutions.

• Request for Proposal (RFP) Security Assessment (2014) - Served on the team to choose a qualified external vendor to perform an objective assessment of the University’s information security program strategy, implementation, and maturity, using the university’s selected information security standard (ISO 27001/27002).

• Campus Cash system replacement Debitek to CBORD (2014) - Updated a campus-wide declining balance cash payment system to pay for printing, parking, and other services using the UCard, cash value ports, and an automated notification system to notify users of declining balance rules and timelines.

• Active Learning Video Conferencing Classroom Lib 410 (2013) - Collaborated with the College of Pharmacy on both the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses from needs assessment through implementation. Built the first active learning classroom optimized for video collaboration to support a new curriculum for the College of Pharmacy.

• Request for Proposal (RFP) UMD Ticketing System (2013) - Served on the team to design the IT security and usability portions of the RFP and to choose the best vendor to provide the service across several units including Athletics, Glensheen, and the School of Fine Arts.

• Academic Program Prioritization (2013) - Worked with a team of staff from non-academic units to design a rubric measuring each of 241 units' alignment with the UMD Strategic Plan. Measured each of 241 programs to assess alignment and equip Chancellor's Cabinet to make decisions. (Outstanding Service Award Honorable Mention)

• Active Learning Classrooms (2011 - present) - Conducted literature search, faculty needs assessment and vendor reviews. Collaborated with Classroom Technology Services to design and build Active Learning Classrooms on the Duluth campus.

• Google Transition (2009 - 2014) - Served on the system-wide Google Steering Committee. Planned and implemented a transition to move over 25,000 user accounts from local email, calendar, and document sharing services into Google Apps. (Outstanding Service Award)

• ITSS Unified Task Management (2008) - Leveraged Six Sigma Project Management skills to consolidate seven task management systems into one task management and billing system for the Information Technology Systems and Services department. Acquired a $10,000 system grant to fund the project.

• Labovitz School of Business and Economics Technology Build (2006-2008) -Designed and implemented the technology for a state-of-the-art building, including electronic stock ticker, digital signs, interactive kiosks, and the most complex classroom technology builds done on campus at that time. Completed project on time and significantly under budget. Established what would become the normal course of action to design and build classroom technology, using ITSS staff, for subsequent buildings on campus.

• Classroom Technology Transition (2003-present) - Transitioned over 100 general purpose classrooms into enhanced control systems to simplify use by faculty and presenters and modernize display and sound systems. (Outstanding Service Award)

• Student Computing Scheduling and Staffing Reorganization (1998) -Transformed paper schedules and informal shift coverage system into an online automated scheduling system. Formalized the system and outsourced it to other University of Minnesota Duluth departments to simplify their student employment management. (Outstanding Service Award)

Teaching Experience

Instructor PE 1615 Jujutsu, PE 1614 Self Defense

University of Minnesota Duluth - Health Physical Education and Recreation (2012 - Present)

• Teach cultural and esoteric aspects of Japanese Jujutsu

• Teach applied physical self-defense skills in a safe, inclusive environment

Instructor UMD Continuing Education Various Topics

University of Minnesota Duluth Department of Continuing Education (2016 – 2019)

• Conflict Resolution

• Presentation Skills

• Graphical Representation of Quantitative Data

• Time Management

• Business Writing

• Email and Social Media

• Special Topics

Instructor SSP 1000 UMD Seminar

University of Minnesota Duluth Department of Students in Transition (2007 - 2012)

• Taught technology, social, and practical skills to incoming students adjusting to college

• Provided IT training and curriculum to fellow instructors

Instructor COMP 1120 Composition

University of Minnesota Duluth Department of Composition (1994-1996, 2001)

• Taught writing, research, and computer skills

• Created class schedules, teaching plans, and a grading system

Instructor Writing Studies

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (1998)

• Taught basic writing, grammar, and presentation skills

• Created a curriculum to accommodate a diverse student population

Instructor English as a Second Language

University of Minnesota Duluth Continuing Education (1994-1996)

• Taught international graduate students writing, grammar, and conversational English

• Worked with colleagues to provide a unique Minnesota cultural experience

Selected Professional Service

National / Regional / State Responsibilities:

• American Judo and Jujitsu Federation Operations Committee Chair (2022-present)

• Editor Kiai Echo (2016-2022)

• American Judo and Jujitsu Federation Midwest Regional Manager (2016-2019)

• Midwestern Higher Education Compact Technology Committee (2014-present)

• NorthEast Alliance for Telecommunications (Member 2003 - 2006, Vice Chair 2006 - 2010, Chair 2010 - 2013)

• Learning Network of Minnesota (2010-2013)

University of Minnesota-Wide Responsibilities:

• PEAK: Positioned for Excellence, Alignment and Knowledge, UMD Campus Project Lead, Executive Sponsor Advisory Committee Member,  IT Function Co-Lead (2022 - Present)

• Highly Restricted Data Standing Committee (2020 - Present)

• Zoom Steering Committee (2018 – Present)

• IT Leadership Mission Group Lead (2015 - 2017)

• Information Technology Leadership Alliance / Community of Practice (2011 - present)

• Google Steering Committee (2009 - 2013)

• Customer Support Committee ITLA (2012 - 2013)

Duluth Campus Responsibilities:

• Chancellor's Leadership Council (2015 - present)

• Higher Learning Commission Workgroup on Resources, Planning, and Institutional Effectiveness (2016 - present)

• University Coordinating Council (2014 - 2015, Chair)

• UMD MIS Advisory Committee (2014 - present)

• UMD Staff Council (2013 - 2015, Chair 2015)

• Program Prioritization Committee - Administrative and Service Units (2013)

• Budget Committee - University of MN Duluth (2010 - 2013, Vice Chair 2013)

• Sub-committee on Information Technology and Libraries (2003 - present)

• Integrated Strategic Advisory Team (2013)

• Assistive Technology Team (2009 - 2014, Team Leader)

• Information Technology - Facilities Management Team (2007 - present)

• Information Technology - Library Team (2003 - present)

• Information Technology - UMD Stores Team (2007 - present)

• Academic Technologists Team (2003 - present, Team Leader)

• Administrative Technologists Team (2012-present)

• Jujutsu Club Advisor, Sensei (2010 - present)

ITSS Department Responsibilities:

• Management Team (2003 - present, Team Leader)

• Student Computing Team (1996 - 2014, Team Leader)

• Classroom Technology Team (2003 - 2014, Team Leader)

• Customer Service Team (2003 - 2013, Team Leader)

• Student Supervision Team (2006 - 2013, Sponsor)

• Help Desk Team (2003 - 2013, Sponsor)

• Faculty Technology Team (2014-present)

Selected Awards

• Professor Bert Aspinnal / Jane Carr Award (2022)

• Project Outstanding Service Award (Honorable Mention 2013)

• Project Outstanding Service Award (2011)

• TLP Project Grant Award (2008)

•  Project Outstanding Service Award (2003)

• Individual Outstanding Service Award (1998)

•  Undergraduate Research Opportunity Project (1993)

Selected Professional Development

• University of Minnesota IT Leads Leadership Development Program (2024)

• Equity and Diversity Certificate - University of Minnesota (2019)

• MOR Annual Leadership Development Affinity Group (2019)

• IT Strategic Leaders Institute UMN Cohort (2015)

• Courage to Teach Book Group (2014) 

• Intercultural Leadership Development (2014)

• EDUCAUSE Institute Leadership Program (2014)

• MOR Information Technology Leadership Program (2012)

• EDUCAUSE Conferences - Midwest and National (2006, 2007, 2009 - 2012, 2019)

• Undergraduate Library Planning & Revitalization Institute (2007)

• Transformational Leadership Program (2007)

• Great Lakes Academic Computer Lab Management Conference (2001-2003, 2005)

• Human Resources at the University of Minnesota (2004)

• Foundations of Leadership - Keys to Supervision (2003)

• Presenting Data and Information (1999)

• University of Minnesota Student Supervision Training (1997)

Selected Publications and Presentations

• Davis, Jason. "Keep Your Jujutsu Training Going During Isolation" Kaia Echo March 2020.

• Davis, Jason. "Jujutsu Versus Zombies: Which Techniques Are Most Effective?" Zombie Fest - A One Evening Symposium on the Topic of Zombies. University of Minnesota, Duluth. Duluth, MN. October 30, 2019. Speaker.

• Davis, Jason. "Digital Identity Risks, Remediation, and Compliance." Minnesota Collection Network 27th Annual Mega Conference. Minneapolis, MN. October 21, 2019. Invited Speaker.

• Davis, Jason. "Digital Identity Theft: Risk Vectors, Prevention, and Remediation." Minnesota Collection Network 26th Annual Mega Conference. Minneapolis, MN. October 16, 2018. Invited Speaker.

• Davis, Jason, Sean Hall, Kara Hanson, and Mark Shetka. "Minnesota University CIOs Pre-Session Seminar: IT Governance and Reporting at UMD." Minnesota University Quarterly CIO Meeting. University of Minnesota, Duluth. Duluth, MN. September 12, 2018. Speaker.

• Davis, Jason. "Become an Epic Communicator." Minnesota Association of School Business Officials 2018 Annual Conference and Certification Course. Duluth, MN. May 9, 2018. Invited Speaker.

• Davis, Jason and John Hatcher. "COIL: Using Technology to Bridge the Distance." Kyung Hee University. Seoul, Republic of Korea. September 15, 2017. Speaker.

• Davis, Jason. University of Minnesota Duluth Continuing Education Summer Leadership Program. "How to Tame Your Inbox and Manage Email Effectively." 13 July, 2016. Invited Speaker.

• Davis, Jason and Allen Richard. "Managing Tension with Constructive Conflict" Intercultural Leadership Development Workshop. University of Minnesota Duluth. 6 October, 2015. Speaker.

• Davis, Jason. "Those Who Come Get" Kaia Echo 2015: 2.

• Davis, Jason. "Classroom Spaces and Instructional Design." Student Learning: Bridging Research with Practice. Northeast Higher Education District. Hibbing Community College. Hibbing, MN. 27 September, 2013. Invited Speaker.

• Davis, Jason. "Sutemi in a 1984 Pace Arrow" Kaia Echo Fall/Winter 2013: 4. 

• Angelos, Peter, Brad Cohen, Jason Davis, and Brittany Lloyd. "Shared Leadership: From IT Silos to IT Alliance." EDUCAUSE National Conference. Denver Convention Center Mile High Ballroom. Denver, CO. 8 November, 2012. Speaker.

• Davis, Jason. "Educational Technology." District V NABP/AACP Meeting. University of Minnesota Duluth. Life Sciences Building. Duluth, MN. 2 August, 2012. Invited Speaker.

• Angelos, Peter, Sally Bradt and Jason Davis. "Effective Change Management: Concurrent Rollout of Google Apps and Active Directory at UMD." EDUCAUSE Midwest Conference. InterContinental Chicago Hotel. Chicago, IL. 14 March, 2011. Speaker.

• Davis, Jason, John G. Henderson, and Beth Schaefer. "What Happened to the Computer Lab?" EDUCAUSE Midwest Conference. InterContinental Chicago Hotel. Chicago, IL. 5 November, 2009. Speaker.

• Davis, Jason. "Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone." Kaia Echo Fall 2009: 11.

• Davis, Jason. "Working Smarter Idea." Quality Fair. University of Minnesota. McNamara Alumni Center. Minneapolis, MN. 31 January, 2009. Poster Presenter.

• Davis, Jason. "Click into Quality." Quality Fair. University of Minnesota. McNamara Alumni Center. Minneapolis, MN. 4 February, 2008. Speaker.

• Davis, Jason, John Dowalczyk, Charlene Harkins, Steven Holtz, Joseph Johnson, and Chad Pierson. "Click Into Bloom Presentation." Enhancing Student Learning Conference. McNamara Alumni Center. Minneapolis, MN. 23 April, 2007. Speaker.

• Angelos, Peter and Jason Davis. "Stake Holders in Learning Spaces." Classrooms of the Future XIII. Hamline University. Saint Paul, MN. 22 May, 2007. Speaker.

• Davis, Jason. "Learning Spaces." EDUCAUSE Midwest Conference. InterContinental Chicago Hotel. Chicago, IL. 11 March, 2006. Discussion Leader.

• Davis, Jason. "Learning Spaces Implementation: Operationalized Theory in Bidding Documents." University of Minnesota, ProQuest, UMI Dissertations Publishing, 2006. 

• Brill, Richard and Jason Davis. "The Ipaq Impact." Academic Lab Management Conference. Northwestern University. Kellogg Center. Evanston, IL. 23 June, 2002. Speaker.

• Davis, Jason. "Automating Problem Reporting in the Computer Labs." Great Lakes Academic Computer Lab Management Conference. Wayne State University. Wayne State, MI. 3 March, 2000. Speaker.

• Davis, Jason. Documentation in the Computer Labs: MLS Project University of Minnesota Duluth. Web. 12 January, 2000.

• Davis, Jason. "Using Judo to Augment Your Jujutsu." Kaia Echo Summer 1996: 12.