Adam Caylor from Ottawa University discusses technology governance, infrastructure management, and strategic decision-making in higher education.
Episode Summary
In this episode of the Open Source CXO podcast, we sit down with Adam Caylor, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Ottawa University. Adam shares insights into the unique challenges and strategies involved in leading IT for a nonprofit educational institution. With over eight years at Ottawa University, Adam has overseen significant projects like the establishment of multiple campuses and the deployment of innovative tech strategies.
Throughout the conversation, Adam explains the importance of tech governance committees in fostering collaboration and making strategic decisions that impact multiple campuses. We also discuss Ottawa's approach to integrating students into their IT workforce through graduate assistant roles, how they are leveraging technology for operational efficiency, and how their team is adapting to post-pandemic education trends.
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About Our Guest
Adam Caylor is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Ottawa University, with over eight years of experience in higher education technology leadership. He oversees IT infrastructure, including hardware, ERP systems, and academic technology. Adam has led major projects such as expanding Ottawa University’s campuses and improving operational efficiency through tech governance. His background includes data center management and leveraging graduate assistant programs to integrate students into IT operations, providing real-world experience while supporting the university’s technology needs.
Episode Chapters
00:00 - Introduction, Overview of Ottawa University, and Adam’s Career Journey
- Don introduces Adam Caylor, CTO at Ottawa University. Adam provides an overview of the university’s campuses and his role, including his career progression from Data Center Manager to CTO.
03:01 - Tech Team and Student Assistance Program
- Overview of the university’s IT team structure and student assistant programs.
06:06 - Graduate Assistant Program
- Adam discusses the graduate assistant program, where students gain work experience in exchange for tuition.
06:34 - University IT and ERP System
- Overview of the university’s ERP system, software customization, and tech operations.
07:34 - Governance Committee and Strategic Planning
- Adam explains the role of the tech governance committee and the university's strategic plan post-COVID.
09:01 - Operational Efficiency and Siloes
- Focus on streamlining operations across multiple campuses.
10:18 - Tech Governance Workflow
- Discussion on how the tech governance process works, including decision-making and technology implementation.
12:13 - Challenges with Custom Software
- Talk about the challenges and limitations of custom software solutions in a university setting.
13:13 - Types of Universities and Software Needs
- Explanation of the different categories of universities (public, private, for-profit) and their unique tech
- needs.
17:03 - ERP System and Integration
- Further discussion on ERP system integration and the challenges of maintaining custom solutions.
18:27 - Innovations in Higher Ed Tech
- Adam talks about innovations and trends in higher education technology, including Microsoft's push for integrated learning systems.
20:03 - University IT Innovation and Student Projects
- Closing discussion on innovation at Ottawa University, including student-led tech projects and future goals for the tech department.
