Virginia Tech’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Amy Sebring has announced, following ratification by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, that Sharon P. Pitt will become the university’s next vice president for information technology and chief information officer, effective Feb. 1, 2024.

The Division of Information Technology at Virginia Tech oversees more than 300 employees in nine departments, facilitating the university’s instructional mission, participating in and providing critical infrastructure in support of Virginia Tech’s research mission, maintaining and advancing enterprise-wide solutions to support administrative functions and business operations, and providing essential information security functions to protect the work and data of faculty, staff, and students.

“As we look to the work ahead, Virginia Tech should aspire to be best in class in our use of technology in learning, research, and workspaces,” said Sebring. “I am thrilled that Sharon will be stepping into this role at a time when the demand for technology has never been higher. I am confident in Sharon’s ability to develop a technology road map for Virginia Tech aligned with our shared strategic priorities.”

Pitt brings to Virginia Tech extensive experience ensuring that people, technology, and services meet the diverse academic, administrative, and research needs of a complex research institution. She has managed multifaceted information technology environments and provided guidance to institutions preparing for the future through the development of strategic plans for information technology and information security. Pitt is currently vice president for information technologies and chief information officer at Brown University in Rhode Island.

“I am delighted to return and serve at my alma mater,” said Pitt. “I will work to establish a culture of collaboration and partnership to deliver effective solutions and services that serve the needs of and forward the aspirations of the Virginia Tech community.” 

Pitt said that as universities rely on information technology to create and maintain a comprehensive information security program to safeguard data, protecting the intellectual and confidential assets of a university is a critical and shared institutional responsibility. At her current institution, Pitt’s team has created a Research IT Roadmap to help the university build infrastructure and services to support its goal of doubling research. 

As Virginia Tech addresses the ongoing challenges of information security and compliance, Pitt will lead the Division of Information Technology with a focus on balancing the university’s priorities, building consensus, and supporting the innovation and collaboration needs of a top research institution. Her leadership will be key to strengthening the university’s infrastructure to support its research, teaching, and outreach mission.

“An appropriate information technology infrastructure and support system for the Virginia Tech community is essential to the growth and success of research and scholarship at the university. Sharon’s background in IT governance will ensure that our technology strategy evolves in a transparent and informed manner,” said Sebring.

Pitt brings a wealth of experience through her prior work with land-grant institutions, including Virginia Tech as well as multiple institutions both in and outside of the commonwealth. Pitt has previously served in information technology leadership roles at the University of Delaware, Binghamton University in New York, and George Mason University.

Pitt earned a master’s degree in architecture and bachelor’s degree in economics from Virginia Tech and a graduate certificate in higher education administration from George Mason University.

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