Collaboration is the Key

Miro Humer, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland

Miro Humer, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland

Miro Humer’s high-level, strategic position as vice president and chief information officer at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland has broad leadership and operational responsibilities for information technology services.

He directs and manages university-wide technology as well as the technology and related personnel within the schools and units, technology communications, customersupport services, digital and new media technologies services, enterprise systems, data analytics, desktop applications and platforms, systems architecture and the project management office.

Humer works to bring new and innovative strategies and solutions to service delivery at this R1 institution, as well as provide oversight to business development and client management. He plays an integral role in business communications and in planning, organizing, and sustaining operational excellence.

“Prioritization of technology efforts,” he said, "is based on a combination of factors, including alignment with the university's strategic priorities, potential impact on teaching and research, available resources, and input from stakeholders.”

Following is the conversation that we had with Humer.

As the Vice President and Chief Information Officer, what are some of your key roles and responsibilities that you have on a daily basis?

As the Vice President and Chief Information Officer, my key roles and responsibilities at Case Western Reserve University involve overseeing the university's technology infrastructure, systems, and services. On a daily basis, I work closely with my team to ensure the smooth operation of our IT systems, manage information security and data privacy, develop and implement technology policies, and provide strategic guidance on technology initiatives.

Additionally, I collaborate with university leaders, faculty, staff, and students to understand their technology needs and find innovative solutions to enhance teaching, learning, research, and administrative processes.

What is the overall technology strategy at Case Western Reserve University, and how do you ensure that it aligns with the academic and research goals of the institution?

The overall technology strategy at Case Western Reserve University is driven by our commitment to supporting and advancing the academic and research goals of the institution. We recognize that technology plays a crucial role in enabling transformative teaching, fostering innovative research, and enhancing operational efficiency.

To ensure alignment, we engage in extensive consultations and collaborations with academic and administrative stakeholders across the university. We actively seek input from faculty, researchers, and students to understand their technology requirements and challenges.

This feedback helps us shape our technology strategy and prioritize investments in areas such as infrastructure, learning management systems, research computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Our goal is to leverage technology effectively to empower the university community and enable them to achieve their academic and research objectives.

How do you see technology and innovation impacting the future of higher education, and what role do you see Case Western Reserve University playing in this space?

Technology and innovation have a profound impact on the future of higher education. They offer immense opportunities to enhance learning experiences, expand access to education, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and accelerate scientific discovery.

At Case Western Reserve University, we are deeply committed to embracing technology and innovation as catalysts for educational transformation and research excellence. We strive to be at the forefront of leveraging emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and data analytics, to enhance teaching and learning.

We actively explore innovative instructional models, such as our HoloAnatomy3D mixed-reality suite of products, to offer flexible and engaging learning experiences. Furthermore, we invest in research computing infrastructure and collaborate with industry partners to drive innovation and address complex societal challenges. Our aim is to position Case Western Reserve University as a leader in leveraging technology to shape the future of higher education.

How do you collaborate with other university leaders and stakeholders to advance technology initiatives and projects, and how do you prioritize these efforts?

Collaboration is a key aspect of advancing technology initiatives and projects at Case Western Reserve University. We work closely with other university leaders and stakeholders through various channels. I actively engage in regular meetings and discussions with academic deans, department chairs, and administrative leaders to understand their technology priorities and needs.

This collaboration helps us align our technology initiatives with the broader goals of the university. We also collaborate with faculty governance bodies, such as the Faculty Senate and IT Advisory Committee, to gather input and feedback on technology initiatives. Prioritization of technology efforts is based on a combination of factors, including alignment with the university's strategic priorities, potential impact on teaching and research, available resources, and input from stakeholders.

We strive to create a transparent and inclusive process that ensures the effective allocation of resources and the successful implementation of technology initiatives across the university.