The Ohio State University has hired Rob Lowden as the university’s new chief information officer (CIO), according to updates provided by Lowden on his LinkedIn account.
Lowden began his new position as CIO and vice president at the university on Aug. 1.
He comes to Ohio State after having worked as CIO and vice president at Indiana University Bloomington from 2020 to 2025, and in other technology roles at Indiana University for many years before that.
As vice president and CIO for Ohio State, Lowden will report to Chris Kabourek, the senior vice president for Administration and Planning, and he will oversee the Office of Technology and Digital Innovation.
“I’m honored to join The Ohio State University at this pivotal moment,” Lowden said in a press release. “As a land-grant institution with global impact, Ohio State has both the scale and the responsibility to lead in AI, digital transformation and inclusive innovation. I look forward to partnering across the university to help shape the future of higher education – one where every learner is digitally empowered.”
The new CIO is a U.S. Navy veteran with a bachelor’s degree in computer technology from Purdue University and a master’s degree in technology from Purdue.
