Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) announced that Sharon Pitt will join university leadership as the school’s new vice president for information technology and chief information officer, effective Feb. 1, 2024.
In her new role, Pitt will help oversee the Division of Information Technology’s more than 300 employees in nine departments. She also will be tasked with facilitating the university’s instructional mission, participating in and providing critical infrastructure in support of Virginia Tech’s research mission, maintaining and advancing enterprise-wide solutions to support administrative functions and business operations, and providing essential information security functions to protect the work and data of faculty, staff, and students.
“As we look to the work ahead, Virginia Tech should aspire to be best in class in our use of technology in learning, research, and workspaces,” said Virginia Tech Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Amy Sebring. “I am thrilled that Sharon will be stepping into this role at a time when the demand for technology has never been higher. I am confident in Sharon’s ability to develop a technology road map for Virginia Tech aligned with our shared strategic priorities.”
Pitt is currently vice president for information technologies and chief information officer at Brown University in Rhode Island. Pitt has had a lengthy career in higher education, having held information technology leadership roles at the University of Delaware, Binghamton University in New York, and George Mason University. Pitt earned a master’s degree in architecture and bachelor’s degree in economics from Virginia Tech and a graduate certificate in higher education administration from George Mason University.
“I am delighted to return and serve at my alma mater,” said Pitt. “I will work to establish a culture of collaboration and partnership to deliver effective solutions and services that serve the needs of and forward the aspirations of the Virginia Tech community.”
In her previous roles, Pitt has managed multifaceted information technology environments and provided guidance on the development of strategic plans for information technology and information security. The university said that Pitt brings with her “extensive experience ensuring that people, technology, and services meet the diverse academic, administrative, and research needs of a complex research institution.”
“An appropriate information technology infrastructure and support system for the Virginia Tech community is essential to the growth and success of research and scholarship at the university. Sharon’s background in IT governance will ensure that our technology strategy evolves in a transparent and informed manner,” said Sebring.
