Wishon lauded for IT leadership in higher ed

The modernization of Arizona State University's technology infrastructure is thanks to the work and leadership of Gordon Wishon, ASU's chief information officer, who was honored for his achievements this month.

Wishon was awarded the EDUCAUSE Leadership Award for individual achievement – the highest honor given by EDUCAUSE, a nonprofit association for IT leaders and professionals in higher education.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition from the EDUCAUSE community,” said Wishon. “It’s a reflection of the commitment and professionalism of the IT staff at ASU and the other institutions I’ve been privileged to work with, and I’m pleased to accept it on their behalf.”

As the university CIO, Wishon has been responsible for leading initiatives that leverage technology to increase student success, enrich the student experience, drive engagement and improve services for the ASU community.

"He is both an accomplished leader and visionary in higher education information technology," said ASU Provost Robert Page. "His knowledge inspires confidence as Arizona State University moves forward on numerous impressive IT initiatives, including research-computing, advances in academic technologies and fostering an environment of access to the technologies that support the New American University.”

Wishon has pushed forward the innovative mobile application experiences for students and faculty at the university, and oversaw large enterprise system deployments and upgrades (PeopleSoft). His leadership has helped to incorporate a culture of risk management and security awareness to safeguard the university and its assets.

Additionally, he introduced a project and portfolio management office to promote and improve the effective delivery of IT development and services.

"It is no surprise that EDUCAUSE has bestowed its career achievement award on Gordon Wishon,” said Morgan R. Olsen, ASU executive vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer. "Gordon's professional achievements are many, both here at ASU and in his preceding CIO roles at Notre Dame and Georgia Tech.

"It is a pleasure working with Gordon," Olsen adds. "We are thrilled that this national professional organization has recognized his information technology expertise and leadership in this way."

Wishon was honored at the association's annual conference, Sept. 29-Oct. 2, in Orlando, Florida, and directed the $3,000 Leadership Award to be given back to the EDUCAUSE Community to send an individual to the Leading Change Institute.

The annual EDUCAUSE awards recognize exceptional leadership in individual and institutional accomplishments.