by Robin Kemp
Clayton State University announces that James “Jim” Pete, executive director of digital business for Georgia Tech’s Office of Information Technology, will serve as interim chief information officer and vice president of Information Technology and Services as of January 31.
Pete will serve for at least six months and will report directly to President Dr. T. Ramon Stuart as part of the president’s cabinet during the search for a permanent CIO.
“Clayton State University is pleased to welcome Mr. Pete to our institution, where he will bring almost three decades of experience in higher education technology services, visioning, and planning,” Stuart said in a press release. “His leadership is timely to build upon our current infrastructure while enhancing customer service and digital innovation for our faculty, staff, and students.”
Pete said, “I am very appreciative of the opportunity to serve as the interim vice president of Information Technology and Services at Clayton State University. I look forward to partnering with President Stuart, the Information Technology and Services team, and Clayton State faculty, staff, and students to position the university for continued success.”
Georgia Tech’s Vice President for Information Technology and CIO, Daren Hubbard, added, “Assisting Clayton State University in this capacity serves as a testament to our great partnership with sister institutions throughout the University System of Georgia. We are extremely fortunate that Jim was able to answer the call. This appointment supports our institute’s ongoing efforts to fully engage as a strong USG partner and it presents OIT with the opportunity to support the new USG Vice Chancellor and CIO, Jonathon Piersol, in his efforts to strengthen collaboration between IT units across the system. This is also an excellent professional development opportunity for Jim, as it allows him to gain and apply leadership skills in a different environment and, hopefully, return to Georgia Tech with expanded perspectives.”
Pete, a Douglasville resident, holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration from Temple University. Prior to joining Georgia Tech, he worked in IT at Temple and Johns Hopkins University. He serves as a volunteer coach for the Georgia Storm Soccer Club
Pete succeeds Bill Gruszka, who is retiring after seven years as vice president of ITS and CIO. CSU says Gruszka “led the expansion of a robust, reliable, and stable technological infrastructure for Clayton State University.”
