Saint Louis University Appoints Kyle Collins as Permanent Vice President and CIO

05/13/2021

After leading Saint Louis University’s Division of Information Technology Services on an interim basis since March 2020, Kyle Collins has been appointed permanent vice president and CIO.

Collins, who most recently served as assistant vice president for technology transformation, has served in higher education IT leadership roles for more than 20 years, including 11 years with Saint Louis University. He became interim CIO shortly before SLU had to transition to remote learning and working because of COVID-19.

“Over the last year, Kyle has demonstrated incredible leadership guiding our University’s IT function through the unparalleled challenges we have experienced because of the pandemic,” said David Heimburger, vice president and CFO. “During that time, he has worked collaboratively with faculty, staff, and student leaders to ensure the IT needs of our University community were met.”

Among Collins’ key accomplishments as interim VP and CIO are:

• Procuring and implementing SLU’s contract with Zoom in just four days last March, which allowed University operations to continue successfully upon the overnight transition to remote work for the majority of the University’s faculty and staff.
• Implementing eLumin, an integrated curriculum and assessment software management tool designed specifically for higher education.
• Implementing the Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor to enable a secure test-taking environment in Blackboard.
• Re-establishing of University’s on-site service desk enhancing the University’s IT customer service approach, especially at a time when technology demands and stresses among the SLU community were high.
• Launching the Okta password security software to improve password security and ease of use.

Working in consultation with leaders from Faculty Senate, the Staff Advisory Committee and other areas, a process was established to solicit feedback on Kyle’s candidacy for the permanent role, which included the formation of a committee of University stakeholders comprised of the following individuals.

Matt Ankenbrandt 

Director of Business Operations, Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology

School of Medicine and SLUCare Physician Group

 

Gabriel Carrillo, D.S.W.

Associate Professor, School of Social Work

College for Public Health and Social Justice

 

David Cassens

Dean, University Libraries

 

Kathleen Davis 

Vice President, Enrollment Management

 

Sanya Vatwani 

Committee Chair, Student Government Association Technology Portfolio

 

Rachel Young

Program Director, Physical Therapy

Doisy College of Health Sciences  

 

Mickey Luna (Chair) 

Vice President Human Resources

 

Additionally, a survey focused on strategic leadership, technical competency, collaboration and other important attributes was sent to solicit feedback from additional key stakeholders across the institution.

The committee reviewed the survey results and interviewed Collins. Following these efforts, the committee unanimously recommended his consideration for promotion into the permanent role.

“I want to thank those that worked together to establish and implement this process,” Heimburger said. “I believe it is important to develop and promote internal talent from within the institution when we can. This process allowed for broad input that confirmed we have the right internal person to fill this role.

“I also want to offer special thanks to the survey participants and committee members who dedicated time and smart thinking to this process.”

ITS is part of the University’s Division of Business and Finance, the CIO position reports to the vice president and CFO. The CIO also is a member of the President’s Cabinet.