Welcome to Information Technology
The Division of Information Technology (IT) is responsible for the strategy, planning, and delivery of information technology across all eight Kent State University campuses and their respective satellite locations. As such, we are instrumental in enabling the day-to-day activities of our University community.
- We design, install, and maintain core computing and communications infrastructure, ensuring secure access to enterprise systems and the university network.
- We design and develop innovative software applications, such as FlashLine and KSUMobile, that connect our students, faculty, and staff to the information they need.
- We manage hardware and software purchasing, installation and configuration to support teaching, learning, and research.
- We provide services and support to individuals and departments across the university to assist with their use of technology.
- We manage and support the university’s learning management system and other applications for teaching and learning.
CIO LEADERSHIP
John M. Rathje
Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
Education:
M.S., Computer Science, Central Michigan University
B.S., Physics, Central Michigan University
Responsibilities:
John Rathje joined Kent State University in March of 2018 and serves as the Vice President for Information Technology and the Chief Information Officer. John’s leadership experience spans multiple sectors, including higher education, health care and industry.
In his role at Kent State, John provides strategic direction and innovative, customer focused technology solutions that support and advance the University’s mission. He is responsible for all institutional information technology and digital services that enable and protect Kent State students, faculty, researchers and staff.
Prior to joining Kent State, John spent 15 years in informational technology roles in higher education. Most recently he served as the Assistant Vice Chancellor and CIO at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR). He also served as the Assistant Dean of Technology for Central Michigan University (CMU) College of Medicine, as the Dean of Technology, and as the Director of Applications Development and Support at Central Michigan University. In the private sector, John served as President and CEO of a technology advocacy firm and Co-Founder and President of Diversified Computer Group, Inc.
In support of the vision and priorities set forth in the University’s “A Strategic Roadmap to a Distinctive Kent State”, John serves on the University Level Initiatives committee and the Shared Services Initiative.
John represents or has represented the University and the Higher Education Information Technology sector by serving on the following regional and national committees: EDUCAUSE Enterprise Technology Advisory Committee, Higher Ed CIO Advisory Council, Leadership Board for CIOs, Inter University Council for CIOs, Adobe Higher Education CIO Customer Advisory Board, Ellucian North America Executive Advisory Council, Greater Cleveland Partnership Technology Board of Advisors and the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) Technologies Executive Committee.
He has held numerous board positions and memberships over the past 20 years. John is a Leadership Institute Fellow (2014) with the Associate of American Medical Colleges Group on Information Resources (GIR). He served as the co-chair for the New Medical School Special Interest Group (SIG) and on the Program Committee for the 2015 GIR Annual Conference. John served as the Chair of the Higher Education SIG for Americas’ SAP User Group (ASUG) and on the Merit Services Innovations Group.
John holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Master of Science in Computer Science from Central Michigan University.
Our Mission
To be relevant, anticipating the needs of the university community and effectively addressing a dynamic world with creative, impactful and efficient solutions built in a reliable, agile and secure digital environment.
To advance Kent State's mission by inspiring and enabling students, faculty, staff and researchers to do extraordinary things.
Our Vision
To be a recognized leader in providing Information Technology solutions such that we inspire partnerships throughout the university community and beyond.
Our Core Values
Inclusion: We strive to create an environment in which everyone feels valued and respected.
Trust: We are dedicated to fostering relationships that are based on integrity and trust.
Cooperation: Our approach to our partners is one of collaboration and cooperation.
Creativity: We aspire to be innovative and forward-thinking in our initiatives to add value throughout the university community.
Diversity: We appreciate and draw strength from our differences, and we involve and aspire to reflect the communities we serve.
Accountability: We strive to provide services and technologies that are reliable and consistently available.
Appreciation: We strive to continually recognize the true worth of our people through gratitude and respect.
Service: We endeavor to provide exceptional customer service and provide an outstanding learning environment.