Welcome to the 2025 OneIT Year in Review

It is a privilege to join the University of Iowa and step into the role of chief information officer at a time of such meaningful progress and momentum. Over the past year, under the leadership of longtime CIO Steve Fleagle, our IT teams and partners have strengthened our approach to artificial intelligence, enhanced digital accessibility and cybersecurity, and delivered technology that supports research, teaching, learning, and student success.

I am especially energized by the thoughtful and responsible ways our teams are engaging with AI—establishing a dedicated AI support team, providing guidance and training to campus, and researching how AI is shaping teaching and learning. These efforts signal not only technical progress, but a clear focus on helping our community adopt emerging tools in ethical and impactful ways.

This past year also brought tangible improvements to the student experience. Enhancements to the student mobile app demonstrate a strong commitment to listening to students and designing technology that supports their academic, mental, and emotional health. In the classroom, tools like Note Depot show how technology can remove barriers and expand access by supporting students with note-taking accommodations while simplifying the process for instructors.  

Our teams also played a critical role in advancing the university’s research mission. The successful launch of the NASA-funded TRACERS mission highlights the scale and complexity of work supported by IT and underscores the importance of strong technical partnerships in enabling discovery. 

Significant advances in digital accessibility are helping ensure that our systems and content are usable by everyone, supported by new tools, training, and awareness efforts. Our shared commitment to cybersecurity—demonstrated by faculty, staff, researchers, and students alike—continues to protect our institution and its mission in an increasingly complex threat landscape.  

Finally, the ongoing collaboration between OneIT and Health Care Information Systems stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through partnership. By leveraging shared systems, services, and expertise, these teams are helping the university operate more efficiently and consistently. IT’s involvement in the university’s reSPARC initiative further reflects a forward-looking approach to financial sustainability and operational effectiveness. At the same time, improvements to IT governance and the introduction of a quarterly project prioritization process have strengthened our ability to focus resources where they can deliver the greatest value.

As I look ahead, I am excited to build upon this strong foundation—working alongside our talented teams and campus partners to continue modernizing our services, embracing innovation, and keeping people at the center of our work. Together, we will shape what’s next and ensure technology remains a powerful enabler of the university’s mission.

Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer Brad Rohrer