Jim Pete Tapped to Serve as Interim CIO at Clayton State University

(January 27, 2022) - James “Jim” Pete, executive director of digital business in Georgia Tech’s Office of Information Technology, has agreed to serve as interim vice president of Information Technology and Services and chief information officer at Clayton State University, effective Monday, January 31. He succeeds Bill Gruszka as he retires from serving the university as the vice president of ITS and CIO for seven years. Gruszka led the expansion of a robust, reliable, and stable technological infrastructure for Clayton State University.

Pete will report directly to the institution’s president, Dr. T. Ramon Stuart, and serve as a member of the president’s cabinet while the university launches a search for a permanent CIO.

“Clayton State University is pleased to welcome Mr. Pete to our institution, where he will bring almost three decades of experience in higher education technology services, visioning, and planning,” said Dr. Stuart. “His leadership is timely to build upon our current infrastructure while enhancing customer service and digital innovation for our faculty, staff, and students.”

“Assisting Clayton State University in this capacity serves as a testament to our great partnership with sister institutions throughout the University System of Georgia,” said Daren Hubbard, vice president for Information Technology and CIO at Georgia Tech. “We are extremely fortunate that Jim was able to answer the call. This appointment supports our institute’s ongoing efforts to fully engage as a strong USG partner and it presents OIT with the opportunity to support the new USG Vice Chancellor and CIO, Jonathon Piersol, in his efforts to strengthen collaboration between IT units across the system. This is also an excellent professional development opportunity for Jim, as it allows him to gain and apply leadership skills in a different environment and, hopefully, return to Georgia Tech with expanded perspectives.”

Pete will serve in the interim role for six months or until the permanent position is filled.

“I am very appreciative of the opportunity to serve as the interim vice president of Information Technology and Services at Clayton State University. I look forward to partnering with President Stuart, the Information Technology and Services team, and Clayton State faculty, staff, and students to position the university for continued success.”