July 2, 2014
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Brian Haugabrook Named Chief Information Officer

VALDOSTA—Valdosta State University President William J. McKinney has named Brian Haugabrook chief information officer (CIO) for the Division of Information Technology. The appointment was effective July 1, 2014.
 
"The word ‘can't’ does not exist in Brian's vocabulary,” said McKinney. “He is an innovative leader who, in partnerships across campus, is demonstrating the full potential of information technology. His leadership in the use of business intelligence is indisputable, and VSU is fortunate to have Brian as a member of our leadership."
 
Haugabrook joined VSU in 2004 and has advanced within Information Technology as programmer, systems analyst, director of data warehouse, and interim CIO since 2013.
 
As CIO, Haugabrook will continue to provide leadership within information technology infrastructure, services, and administrative information systems across the university.
 
“I am excited to be part of the VSU community. Innovations in technology continue to reshape our lives and how we learn,” said Haugabrook. “The Division of Information Technology at VSU has great staff, students, and future leaders. IT has proven its ability to perform on a national level in all areas of technology.”
 
Haugabrook stated that he is proud of the regional, state, and national recognitions the IT staff has received for innovative technology initiatives and accomplishments associated with higher education.
 
“We will continue to expand our services and resources to support the strategic goals and mission of VSU,” said Haugabrook. “My goal for the future is to have a global impact and change the world by working hard, being creative, thinking innovatively, and helping others reach their greatest potential.”
   
While at VSU, Haugabrook has helped develop the university’s first financial analytics reporting system, secured more than $500,000 in software to expand information technology solutions to support student engagement, and developed the university’s nationally recognized data warehouse.
  
Haugabrook was recently featured in the online publication ComputerWorld for his work in designing and implementing VSU’s data warehouse. As part of the Complete College Georgia initiative, the data warehouse is a system that provides faculty with real-time data on students who are at risk or not progressing academically. Within the first two years of implementation, VSU has documented an overall 2 to 3 percent increase in retention rates, and within the faculty who are measured using the system frequently the retention rate jumped to 4 percent within one year.
 
This year, Haugabrook was selected to participate in the University System of Georgia’s Executive Leadership Institute, which works to enhance leadership skills of USG faculty and administrators.
  
Before arriving at VSU, Haugabrook worked for State Farm as developer and automation specialist. He was responsible for directing business workflows utilizing new technologies for all employees within State Farm Corporate Law division throughout Georgia.
 
Haugabrook earned a Bachelor of Science in computer science and a Master of Public Administration, both from Valdosta State University.
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