In the rapidly changing world of higher education, digital transformation is key to staying ahead. A recent conversation with Matthew Gunkel, Chief Information Officer at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), shed light on current challenges and opportunities in higher education. His approach highlights how technology can enhance educational missions and underscores the power of strategic partnerships.
Facing Unique Challenges in Higher Education
Matthew shared that he sees UCR as equivalent to a city, and departments within the university as similar to independent small businesses. This setup presents unique challenges, particularly in integrating various technologies. As Gunkel explained, “We operate a lot of different kinds of information technology…with that complexity comes a lot of integration challenges.”
At UCR, the goal is not just to implement technology but to enhance the educational experience. Gunkel put it perfectly:
“People aren’t there to learn how to use our technology. It should be transparent, clear, and easy to experience.”
Enhancing Network Performance
UCR’s collaboration with Cisco shows how effective technology can be in overcoming these challenges. By using Cisco Software-Defined Access, Connected Mining and Smart Agriculture solutions, UCR has boosted network speed and availability in key areas. Gunkel mentioned, “We’ve seen significant increases in our wireless availability…bringing faster speeds, but also extension of the network.”
These advancements are crucial for supporting both students and faculty, particularly researchers who need reliable, high-speed connections. As Gunkel pointed out, “Our researchers are understandably some of the most demanding network users that we have, requiring high speeds to support their work.”
The Importance of Strategic Partnerships
Strategic partnerships are essential to UCR’s success. Gunkel highlighted how working with Cisco has helped the university reach out to the underserved communities in the Inland Empire. He stated, “We’re working on building partnerships of purpose…to support the underserved population.”
This partnership goes beyond technology; it’s about building community ties and expanding opportunities, like internships and athletic support. Gunkel noted, “That strategic partnership is definitely vital in supporting us and really helping us grow that community support.”
Advice for Fellow CIOs
For other CIOs facing similar challenges, Gunkel advises leaning into existing partnerships. He shared, “Understanding where and how we could partner, where we could actually…accelerate or grow in different areas is really critical.”
Instead of starting from scratch with every initiative, leveraging existing relationships can drive growth and tackle strategic issues. It’s about choosing the right challenges and building partnerships that help address them effectively.
By leveraging smart technology and fostering collaboration, universities can effectively address challenges and cultivate an environment that enhances learning and drives innovation. These partnerships serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of aligning technological advancements with institutional objectives to achieve long-term success.
Watch the video below to learn more about UCR’s journey from Matthew Gunkel.
To learn more about Cisco solutions in higher education, check out our Education Portfolio Explorer
Share:
