This summer, Dr. Michael H. Hites, an executive with 17 years of experience leading large-scale computing operations for university-based research and innovation, joined OIT as SMU’s Chief Information Officer. In addition to leading OIT, Hites will oversee the University’s high-performance computing initiatives, including the ManeFrame II supercomputer: SMU’s fourth-generation upgrade ranks among the top academic supercomputers in the nation.
Previously, Hites was a senior associate vice president for administrative IT services and CIO at the University of Illinois System. He also served as an adjunct associate professor of computer science at the University of Illinois-Chicago. His 10-year career with the University of Illinois System included service as executive CIO (2011-12) and associate vice president for administrative IT services (2008-12).
“I am looking forward to helping achieve SMU’s 2016-2025 strategic plan, ‘Launching SMU’s Second Century: Shaping Leaders for a Changing World,’” Hites said.
“Being the CIO at SMU gives me the opportunity to work side-by-side with students, faculty, and staff to foster research, improve interdisciplinary education, and partner with the city of Dallas.”
Hites began his career at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago in 1996, where he served as assistant to the dean for computing (1996-97), assistant dean for computing and research assistant professor (1997-98), and director, Computing and Network Services (1998-2000). He also served as chief technology officer from 2000-03.
He continued his career at New Mexico State University (NMSU) from 2003-08, starting as vice provost for information and technology services and CIO (2003-06). As vice president for planning and IT and CIO from 2006-08, he worked with deans, directors, students, faculty, executive leadership, and the Board of Regents to plan, implement and measure IT programs and services across NMSU’s five-campus system, as well as assisting other governmental and educational entities in New Mexico.
Hites received his B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Arizona in 1989. He earned an M.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1992 and his Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology in 1997.
President Turner will be hosting a reception for faculty and staff on August 29th, to welcome Dr. Hites. We hope that you will join the Office of Information Technology in welcoming our new Chief Information Officer.
