David Crain is the vice president for the Office of Information Technology and chief information officer at UT Dallas.
David Crain has joined UT Dallas as vice president for information resources and chief information officer.
Crain has 17 years of experience in information technology management, including senior leadership positions at both the University of Missouri and Southern Illinois University, where he most recently served as chief information officer (CIO).
Crain reports to UT Dallas President David E. Daniel and is responsible for the overall leadership of the University’s Office of Information Technology function and staff. Offices within the unit include architecture and infrastructure services, enterprise application services, networking and telecommunication services, and technology customer service.
“The role of CIO is an increasingly complex one at major research universities such as UT Dallas,” Daniel said. “David Crain is a seasoned veteran in the academic information enterprise and knows how to address the needs of students, staff members and faculty. I am especially impressed by the fact that he not only knows how to address and solve problems, but he has a proven track record of doing so in a collaborative and collegial way that is valued and appreciated by colleagues.
“I am looking forward to working with Mr. Crain and with continuing the outstanding work of our dedicated Information Resources team,” Daniel said.
“David Crain is a seasoned veteran in the academic information enterprise and knows how to address the needs of students, staff members and faculty. I am especially impressed by the fact that he not only knows how to address and solve problems, but he has a proven track record of doing so in a collaborative and collegial way that is valued and appreciated by colleagues”
Dr. David E. Daniel,
UT Dallas president
At Southern Illinois University, Crain was responsible for all aspects of information technology on campus. He spearheaded nationally recognized, award-winning technology initiatives aimed at improving student success and retention. He also encouraged the faculty adoption of technology in the classroom and initiated efforts to assist faculty members with their technology needs, both in the classroom and in support of research. He oversaw more than 100 full-time staff and more than 200 student employees and graduate assistants at Southern Illinois.
Before joining Southern Illinois, Crain held technology leadership positions at the University of Missouri. As an assistant vice president, he was responsible for all technology infrastructure at the University of Missouri System and its flagship campus in Columbia. His major accomplishments included developing a statewide fiber network for education and research, implementing a private cloud for the university and adopting systemwide shared services. He also created consolidated purchasing programs and implemented other cost-cutting initiatives that saved the university more than $20 million over a five-year period.
Crain earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and political science, and a master’s degree in information systems. He has written articles for several outlets, including InformationWeek, Campus Technology and CIO Review, and he presents regularly at technology and education conferences. Crain is chairman of the Illinois Partnership to Advance Technology in Higher Education.
“I’m very impressed by the leadership and direction of UT Dallas, and I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity,” Crain said. “The amount of growth that the University is experiencing is phenomenal. This type of growth brings a lot of challenges but also a lot of opportunity in the field of technology. I believe that the University is well-positioned to become one of the premier technological institutions in the country.”