Milligan Named CIO

Walter Milligan, a professor of materials science and engineering, has been named to fill the new post of chief information officer at Michigan Tech. As CIO, he will develop and coordinate information technology decision-making and policy, said Provost David Reed.

"I'm very pleased that Walt has accepted this challenge," Reed said. "His background and experience make him an ideal candidate for the position, which will focus on formulating policies and setting priorities for information technology services and resources in support of our strategic plan."

Milligan, who came to Michigan Tech in 1989, has directed his department's information technology component since 1991, hiring system administration support and overseeing the student computer lab. In addition, he has served on numerous campus-wide committees addressing information technology issues.

"I'm very excited about this opportunity," Milligan said. "It represents a major change in direction for me, and I was looking for a new challenge."

He called the IT staff throughout the university "outstanding."

"There are very good people here delivering high-quality service," Milligan said. As CIO, he aims to use that excellence as a foundation for institutional improvement. "The Blue Ribbon Information Technology Needs Committee correctly identifies this as an opportunity to better coordinate IT on campus to better serve all our users."

"I have lots of experience in strategic planning, and I look forward to applying that knowledge to campus IT operations in support of the university's Strategic Plan," he added.

Milligan was named CIO following a search focusing on applicants from within the university. "I compliment the CIO Search Committee on their very effective process," said Reed. "They did a great job of identifying excellent candidates, and I appreciate their efforts."

Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.