This spring, Information Technology shared an update with the University Assembly focused on how IT is supporting 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 mission through reliability, security, and thoughtful innovation. While technology continues to evolve quickly, our approach remains steady: strengthen the foundation, protect institutional data, and adopt new tools responsibly鈥攁lways with faculty, staff, and students at the center.

Strengthening Core Systems and Campus Infrastructure

Over the past year, IT has made significant progress modernizing campus technology. Hundreds of network switches have been replaced across academic, residential, and administrative buildings, improving speed, reliability, and security. Core academic systems and teaching technologies continue to be enhanced, including improvements to Blackboard integrations and new grade export features planned for Fall 2026. Behind the scenes, legacy systems such as Banner are moving into secure archive mode to preserve historical data while reducing complexity.

A Campus鈥慦ide Commitment to Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity remains one of our highest priorities. The university is now approaching 90% cybersecurity compliance, supported by more reliable authentication, stronger network protections, and improved account management for new hires and departures. Later this year, faculty and staff will begin transitioning to phishing鈥憆esistant authentication methods鈥攕uch as passkeys or hardware security keys鈥攚hich will make logging in both easier and more secure. These changes are designed to reduce disruptions while better protecting research data and personal information.

Advancing AI鈥擳houghtfully and Responsibly

Artificial intelligence continues to generate interest and questions across campus. Rather than adopting AI everywhere at once, the university is taking a measured approach. An AI Council has been formed to advise university leadership on governance, policy, risk, and responsible use. By the end of the academic year, the council will deliver draft guiding principles and an acceptable use policy to ensure AI enhances our work while protecting privacy, equity, and academic integrity.

Looking Ahead

As we move through 2026, IT鈥檚 focus will remain on reliability, security, and impact. From modernizing infrastructure to supporting research computing and improving campus safety systems, these efforts are designed to improve the day鈥憈o鈥慸ay experience for faculty and staff while positioning the university for the future.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we build a more secure, connected, and innovative campus together.

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I am excited about joining 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock as your new Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer. I am grateful for the Institute鈥檚 warm welcome and confidence in me. As an alum, I have always admired 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and its efforts to tackle the many challenges we face globally through research and advanced technology. I am extremely fortunate to now be a part of a talented team of individuals who contribute to that mission.

During my first few months with the University, I鈥檝e steadily met with many of you during what I call my initial 鈥淟istening and Learning鈥� sessions. During these times, I鈥檓 getting to know you and discovering the strong emotion and enthusiasm you have for what you do here at the University. I鈥檝e gained the privilege of seeing first-hand the hard work that each of you brings to the University each day.

I believe wholeheartedly that technology can be a massive force for good, and nowhere is that possibility felt more acutely, or demanded more urgently, than right here. I feel a personal call to contribute my skills to this exceptional team, and help create that lasting impact.

At the heart of my approach is a commitment to collective impact. I am focused on three vital objectives: championing a culture of absolute candor and openness, accelerating the growth of our systems, and establishing robust knowledge-sharing across all critical roles. While these steps are vital for our department鈥檚 success, my most important goal is simple: to invest in your success鈥攂ecause when you succeed, we all succeed.

Thank you for your time and attention. I am genuinely excited about the positive direction we are taking; and look forward to partnering with each of you for a long and successful journey ahead.

Jim

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