Howdy

  From CIO Ed Pierson

Texas A&M University is one of the largest higher education campuses in the nation, both in geographic size and student population. Serving as the technological backbone, our university community entrusts us with deploying innovative, efficient and groundbreaking solutions.

In 2023, we continued to integrate ourselves into the new framework of Texas A&M as one of the core operational services, a unified technology services division. Our five drivers this year were investing in our people, innovating the campus connection, fortifying our security, strengthening partnerships and maximizing return on investment (ROI).

We remain committed to our faculty, staff, students and visitors with a focused effort to support and empower our team. After the successful implementation of the IT project management office, we sought ways to ensure success for completion of projects and the management of those projects. To support those seeking a career in cybersecurity, the apprenticeship program prepared 26 participants this year with the necessary foundation to pursue opportunities in this field. We keep this momentum moving forward as we continue to invest in staff development and identify training opportunities.

Smart, modern campuses are only as strong as the data connection. One of the largest network upgrades ever launched at Texas A&M, the Next-Generation Aggie Network, continues on schedule with its completion anticipated in fiscal year 2026. By design, the Next-Gen Network will transform the digital experience on our flagship campus by providing faster, more reliable wireless internet access by utilizing 6E technology and expanding coverage in high-traffic outdoor areas. Once completed, Texas A&M will boast one of the most modern higher education WiFi networks in the country.

Customer service and support have always been a priority and now formally outlined through an updated IT governance framework to garner feedback and support from academic and administrative units across the university. On a day-to-day support level, the dedicated team at Help Desk Central and dedicated IT support teams across campus provide faculty, staff and students with access to informed technical assistance. With the development of a unified ticketing system and support model, and phased implementation of TechHub, a centralized store for hardware purchases, the service and support segment of Technology Services remains customer focused.

Cyber attacks remain one of the largest threats to an organization of Texas A&M’s magnitude as a Tier 1 research institution. The cybersecurity team proactively ensures access to various platforms and software are supported by modern authentication. Notable projects last year include updating Duo two-factor authentication ahead of schedule and implementing the new Microsoft 365 and Teams platform, both heavily used tools across the university.

Looking forward, we will renew our focus on empowering the Texas A&M research community by expanding access to research cyberinfrastructure, software, laboratory solutions, facilities support and technology-based community engagement programs. Our key partnership with the Vice President of Research’s office will expand the division’s capability to assist in accelerating research teams initiating new research projects more quickly and effectively.

Technology Services is an organization focused on the success of our university community, and our approach remains steadfast in further supporting Texas A&M’s mission of teaching, research and service. I am proud to lead a unified team of technology professionals as we build a better tomorrow.

Ed Pierson
Vice President for Information Technology
and Chief Information Officer
Texas A&M University