Aligning Strategy and Technology to Achieve Educational Excellence

Joining Montclair State University in May 2024, David Chun brings a diverse and extensive background in information technology and executive leadership to his new role as the institution’s Chief Information Officer (CIO). With over 20 years of experience in the field, Chun will oversee Montclair State’s information technology strategy, the development and management of information technologies across the institution, and will head up all aspects of the University’s Division of Information Technology, including its staff and resources.

Helping Steer Technological Advancements
Starting his career in various technical and managerial positions, Chun has held leadership roles in major organizations, including SunGard Data Systems, where he served as Vice President and later as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). His experience in the corporate sector was complemented by his academic roles, including his recent positions as CIO and Associate Vice President at Sonoma State University and Hamline University. Chun was instrumental in leading digital transformation initiatives, implementing advanced technology solutions, and overseeing large-scale IT operations. “I aim to bridge the gap between technology and organizational strategy, and feel this has been a key factor in my career progression,” shares Chun. “My focus on digital transformation, security, and innovation aligns with the needs of a modern university like Montclair State, and I’m committed to staying at the forefront of technology trends and helping steer the technological advancements that can benefit our students and faculty.”

With experience in both higher education and the private sector, Chun is ready to help address the complex challenges that institutions are facing in today’s world. “I will focus on leveraging my dual-sector experience to create a cohesive and innovative IT strategy that supports both research and education at the University,” says Chun. “In the past, I’ve implemented advanced technology solutions to enhance learning environments and administrative operations and created digital equality initiatives, expanding campus-wide WiFi, and launching student-centered technology programs. I’m committed to using technology to meet campus-wide information and processing needs and support academic success and accessibility.”

During his time in the private sector, Chun gained a deep understanding of corporate-level IT operations, cybersecurity, and strategic planning. “My work in managing IT across international offices and developing partnerships with leading technology vendors will inform my approach to building robust, scalable IT infrastructure at Montclair State,” says Chun. “By integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI), we will help enhance the University’s research capabilities. I also wish to bring my experience in managing complex IT environments to support the University’s interdisciplinary research projects that require advanced data management and computational resources.”

Moreover, Chun’s experience with project management and change management in large organizations will be crucial in navigating the evolving demands of higher education. He plans to foster collaboration between IT, faculty, and students, ensuring that technology initiatives align with Montclair’s strategic goals. His leadership will be centered on creating an IT environment that not only supports but also drives innovation in research and education. By combining the best practices from both sectors, Chun aims to create a dynamic and responsive IT landscape that enhances the University’s mission to provide high-quality education and research opportunities to its students and faculty.

Bolstering Research Capabilities
Known as a dynamic research institution where technology fuels educational excellence, research, and social mobility, Montclair State continues to expand its research portfolio and doctoral programs. “To provide an environment that fuels cutting-edge research, ensuring digital equality is among our top initiatives,” shares Chun. “All students at Montclair should have equal access to the technology they need to succeed. By introducing programs that provide essential digital tools to students, we can eliminate barriers to learning and ensure that every student, regardless of their background, can fully participate in their education.”

Chun also plans to enhance Montclair’s learning environments by integrating the latest in digital and instructional technology like Dreamscape. “Transforming traditional classrooms into interactive, technology-enabled spaces will provide students with enriched learning experiences, fostering engagement and better preparing them for the modern workforce,” says Chun. “This commitment to advanced educational technologies will reinforce Montclair’s leadership in educational excellence.”

To bolster Montclair’s research capabilities, part of Chun’s focus will be on implementing advanced IT infrastructure. “By leveraging cloud computing, data analytics, and other emerging technologies, we can create an environment where faculty and students can engage in large-scale, data-intensive research projects,” explains Chun. “To continue to be a leader in research innovation, we will also support initiatives like high-performance computing clusters and research data management systems with grant writing support.”

Fostering Research Collaboration
In order to meet the evolving needs of the research community, Chun says he envisions a dynamic and robust research infrastructure that is designed to propel the University to new heights in academic and scientific inquiry. “Investing in advanced technologies, fostering a collaborative research ecosystem, and implementing data security and compliance frameworks are among my top initiatives. To enhance our research infrastructure, we will invest in cutting-edge technologies such as high-performance computing clusters, cloud-based research platforms, and advanced data analytics tools. These technologies will provide researchers with the computational power and flexibility needed to tackle complex, data-intensive projects, enabling them to push the boundaries of their fields.”

“To promote a more collaborative research environment, we will also develop platforms that facilitate interdisciplinary work and data sharing across departments,” continues Chun. “By creating a seamless digital infrastructure that allows for easy collaboration and communication among researchers, Montclair can accelerate the pace of innovation and discovery. In addition, ensuring the security and integrity of research data is paramount, especially as research increasingly relies upon digital platforms. To build trust within the research community and safeguard the University’s intellectual assets, we will continue to implement robust cybersecurity measures and compliance frameworks that protect sensitive data while meeting regulatory requirements.”

As an R2 institution with R1 ambitions, Chun says he envisions a robust research environment at Montclair built on advanced technological infrastructure and strong organizational support. “By implementing high-performance computing resources, cloud-based platforms for scalable data storage and analysis, and comprehensive research data management systems, we can equip researchers with the tools they need to tackle complex, data-intensive projects, thereby enhancing the University’s research capabilities.”

“To foster a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, our platforms and tools help encourage joint research efforts across different departments,” continues Chun. “We will also offer ongoing training and professional development to ensure that our faculty and students can fully utilize the University’s technological resources. To help maximize the impact of our research efforts and position ourselves as a leader in innovation, we must also streamline grant support services and address any existing gaps in technology adoption and resource allocation.”

Implementing Advanced IT Solutions
An integral part of advancing Montclair State’s research enterprise includes establishing a robust engagement framework that connects the University with both internal and external partners to enhance its research capabilities. “Within the University, we plan to create digital platforms that facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling departments to work together more effectively on complex research projects,” shares Chun. “By setting up this internal engagement apparatus, we aim to break down barriers between departments, fostering a more integrated and innovative research environment.”

“Externally, I’m committed to building strong partnerships with industry, other academic institutions, and community organizations,” continues Chun. “Technology is a crucial tool in these collaborations, and using digital platforms can enable seamless communication, data sharing, and joint research initiatives. I want to actively engage the local and broader community by aligning Montclair’s research efforts with real-world needs and challenges, thereby positioning the University as a key player in driving societal progress through research. Edge will be a crucial partner in providing the technological infrastructure and support needed to implement advanced IT solutions at Montclair, and as a long-time partner, we continue to benefit from the collective expertise, resources, and collaborative opportunities that organizations like Edge offer to our institution.”

“Edge is pleased to partner with Montclair State University to help advance their research and education mission through Edge’s advanced high performance network capability and many collaborations including the recent NSF Campus Cyberinfrastructure (CC*) Regional Networking award # 2346648,” says Dr. Forough Ghahramani, Assistant Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Sponsored Programs, Edge.

In thinking about the future, Chun is excited about the potential to leverage emerging technologies to significantly advance Montclair State’s research mission. “I see a future where cutting-edge tools like AI, machine learning, and big data analytics are seamlessly integrated into the University’s research infrastructure, enabling faculty and students to explore new frontiers of knowledge and innovation. I’m particularly enthusiastic about the opportunities these technologies present for interdisciplinary collaboration and the ability to address complex, real-world problems through research.”

Harnessing the Power of AI
As the higher education landscape continues to evolve, AI will play a crucial role in transforming teaching methods, personalizing student learning experiences, and streamlining administrative processes to enhance overall institutional efficiency. “AI is a transformative force in higher education, with the potential to significantly enhance both the learning experience and the administrative operations of universities,” says Chun. “I believe AI can personalize education, tailoring learning experiences to individual students’ needs, strengths, and learning styles. This personalized approach can help improve student outcomes by providing targeted support and resources, ensuring that each student can reach their full potential.”

“On the administrative side, AI can be a powerful tool for optimizing university operations,” continues Chun. “AI-driven analytics can provide valuable insights into student performance, enrollment trends, and resource allocation, enabling more data-informed decision-making. Additionally, AI can streamline processes such as admissions, student advising, and even grading, freeing up faculty and staff to focus more on teaching, research, and student engagement.”

However, Chun says we must be mindful of the need for strong boundaries to ensure the safety and integrity of data and to address faculty concerns about the originality of academic work. “I’m an advocate for the implementation of robust data protection measures to safeguard student and faculty information in AI-driven systems. There must also be transparency in AI applications, ensuring that AI tools are used to complement, not replace, the creativity and expertise of educators. By setting these guardrails, we can harness the power of AI to drive innovation, while maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and data security.”

In order to be prepared with the skills necessary to thrive in the future workforce, Chun advises students to approach the fast-paced world of digital transformation with a mindset of agility, flexibility, and resilience. “In today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape, the ability to adapt quickly and pivot in response to unexpected challenges is crucial. Students should continually update their skills and knowledge; staying curious and open to learning about emerging technologies that will be a part of shaping the future.”

“Life often throws curveballs, and being able to pivot effectively—while maintaining resilience—is key to success in the tech industry,” continues Chun. “Embracing the iterative nature of both technology and life is important, and that success often comes from the ability to learn from setbacks and continually improve on ideas. While mastering technical skills is essential, having the ability to think critically, solve problems creatively, and navigate change with resilience will truly set you apart. Students should balance their focus on technology with ethical considerations, ensuring they can lead in a world where the only constant is change.”