Heath Tuttle, who has 13 years of experience working within the higher education information technology field, has been named the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s next chief information officer.
Tuttle, who was selected after an internal search, will officially begin the position on Aug. 1. He replaces Mark Askren, who, after 10 years as the university’s first chief information officer, is stepping down and will serve in a senior adviser role to the University of Nebraska system.
“Heath’s experience within the ranks of our information technology services team will be invaluable and help us maintain momentum gained under Mark’s leadership,” said Chancellor Ronnie Green. “This seamless transition will allow the team to continue its top-tier service in supporting students, faculty and staff.”
Tuttle started his career as a teacher in both high school and college before transitioning into information technology, and most recently served three years as the university’s assistant vice chancellor for information technology.
While working to expand the institution’s compliment of IT systems, Tuttle led the university’s transition of cloud-based learning systems; implemented a campuswide student email system; guided the remodeling and technology upgrades in 150 general purpose classrooms; and managed an annual budget of $7 million.
“As a dual report to the chief information officer and the executive vice chancellor, I have had the unique experience of learning from both academic and IT leaders on campus,” Tuttle said. “This reporting structure has provided me with the opportunity to partner on a variety of initiatives while addressing a range of challenges.
“I look forward to building on those partnerships, continuing to lead IT projects, and working to keep the university on the cutting edge of information technology that provides necessary supports to the work of students, faculty and staff.”
Tuttle is a Husker alumnus, having earned a doctorate in instructional technology and online learning in 2012. He also received a Bachelor of Science (secondary education) from Chadron State College in 1995 and a Master of Arts (organizational development) from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2000.
His other campus roles have included: interim director of institutional effectiveness and analytics; director and assistant director of academic technologies; coordinator of the Technology Transforming Teaching initiative; and an instructional technology specialist.
Askren, who serves through July 31, also was the vice president and chief information officer for the NU system. Bret Blackman has replaced Askren in that role.
Tuttle will also work at the NU system level as assistant vice president for information technology services.
The chief information officer at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln leads the information technology services’ academic technologies group and web application development teams. The position serves on the chancellor’s executive leadership team and works closely with academic leaders in developing IT-related projects and services. The CIO also oversees the use of student technology fees in collaboration with the Office of the Executive Chancellor and student leaders.
The CIO reports jointly to the chancellor of UNL and the vice president of information technology for the NU system. The position also helps guide NU’s centralized information technology services team, which includes more than 300 staff covering three campuses and central administration with an annual operating budget of more than $50 million.
“Heath knows the University of Nebraska well, is respected by colleagues across UNL and ITS, and has the skills and experience necessary for this critical leadership position,” Blackman said. “He also represents UNL on the Unizin board and is the chair of the Big Ten Academic Alliance Learning Technology Leaders peer group. We’re fortunate that he is able to step into this role and build on our momentum.”
