The University of Minnesota announced Tuesday the appointment of new vice president and chief information officer R. Scott Studham.

Studham will take office Feb. 13, according to the email sent by University President Eric Kaler and Senior Vice President of System Academic Administration Robert J. Jones.

Studham was chosen from three finalists to fill the shoes of former VPCIO Steve Cawley, who accepted a position at the University of Miami in Florida in April 2011.

The VPCIO oversees the Office of Information Technology âÄî offices that handle technology like Moodle and active learning classrooms âÄî and administrative information technology.

Studham previously served as the chief information officer at the University of Tennessee since 2009, during which time he headed student-driven initiatives, like allowing students to stream lab software to their own computer’s desktop.

He said universities need to adapt to 21st century accessibility needs and students’ comfort with technology.

“WeâÄôre seeing people move from digital immigrants to digital natives,âÄù Studham said.

In a previous interview with the Minnesota Daily, Kaler said the VPCIO must integrate the changing role of technology into the UniversityâÄôs business operations and teaching support.

Studham earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in management from Washington State University in 1997 and his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Tennessee.

His appointment is subject to approval by the Board of Regents.