Chris Scheetz: A New Era for Information Technology Services at UMSL
Chris Scheetz has recently been appointed executive director of Information Technology Services (ITS) and chief information officer at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL). This significant milestone marks the culmination of over 25 years of dedicated service at the university, beginning as a student in the late 1990s. His official start date is set for March 1.
A Personal Journey
Sheetz’s journey to this leadership position is not just a professional achievement but a deeply personal one. As he was informed of his appointment by Tanika Busch, the vice chancellor for finance and operations, he found himself overwhelmed with emotion. This position had been a long-term aspiration for him, solidified by a decade of growth and leadership within his department.
“I was thoroughly excited,” Scheetz expressed. “It’s humbling to be trusted to lead a group of 44 staff and student employees.”
A Rich Background in IT Leadership
Prior to becoming the CIO, Scheetz held several roles, including director and associate director of IT for Customer and Support Services. His experience includes directing IT procurement, spearheading initiatives to modernize campus technologies, and overseeing crucial infrastructure changes that support the academic and administrative functions of the university. These roles have equipped him with the skills necessary to build a robust IT environment at UMSL.
As interim CIO since July, Scheetz has already laid the groundwork for a strategic direction that promises to innovate while maintaining reliability. Busch noted, “Chris has provided steady leadership and strategic direction for our Information Technology division for more than a decade.”
Early Days at UMSL
Scheetz’s connection to UMSL began humbly as a student employee in 1997, an opportunity he obtained through a scholarship aimed at supporting students from his hometown of Steele, Missouri. His initial foray into technology came as he supported technology classrooms, a first job that would profoundly shape his future, despite his early indecision about pursuing a career in IT.
Initially opting for a marketing major after struggling with programming classes, Scheetz eventually discovered the broader implications of technology in the academic landscape.
A Holistic Approach to IT
What sets Scheetz apart is his understanding that effective IT leadership is not solely grounded in technical proficiency. “I am never the smartest IT person in the room,” he articulated. “The goal is to surround myself with experts who can bring solutions to challenges faced by students and faculty.”
This customer-centric approach has been a cornerstone of his career, from managing academic technology classrooms to leading campus-wide initiatives. By bridging the gap between technical teams and end-users, Scheetz has cultivated a collaborative environment where technology can flourish.
Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Technology
The world of technology is constantly evolving, and Scheetz is keenly aware of the responsibilities that come with it. UMSL has recently completed significant migrations, such as transitioning from Xerox to Kyocera for printing services, and plans are underway to update the university’s aging telephone system. These changes reflect his commitment to ensuring that UMSL remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
One notable area he is focusing on is artificial intelligence. Sheetz recognizes the potential and challenges that AI brings to academia, stating, “We need to figure out how we can provide AI tools to the campus while ensuring everyone understands the risks.”
Maintaining a User-Centric IT Environment
As Scheetz steps into his new role, he emphasizes the importance of building trust with users across campus. “IT is probably at its best when it’s not being thought about,” he explained. His goal is to foster an environment where technology seamlessly supports academic and administrative activities, allowing faculty, staff, and students to carry out their work without interruption.
Scheetz’s leadership philosophy centers on being approachable and responsive. He values open lines of communication and aims to create a robust support system that encourages users to share their challenges openly.
The Future of IT at UMSL
Under Scheetz’s leadership, the ITS team is prepared to tackle the ever-changing landscape of technology. With ambitious projects on the horizon, including a comprehensive cloud strategy and AI integration, he is poised to lead UMSL into a new era of innovation.
His momentous appointment as CIO not only represents a personal achievement but also sets the stage for transformative changes at UMSL that will benefit students, faculty, and staff alike.