Baz Abouelenein named Associate Vice President for Finance and Planning and Chief Information Officer

Vice President for Finance and Planning Glen Nelson has announced the appointment of Baz Abouelenein as Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective Monday, August 17, 2026.

As CIO, Abouelenein will provide strategic leadership for the University's technology environment by developing and implementing a comprehensive technology strategy aligned with institutional priorities and long-term objectives. He will work to unify the University's Division IT organizations through the establishment of technology standards and governance structures while ensuring operational excellence, service quality, and effective risk management. In this role, he will lead complex technological and organizational change initiatives that support the University's mission and future growth.

"This is a pivotal moment in the evolution of our information technology environment at Illinois State, and I am excited to welcome Baz to our senior leadership team," said Nelson. "His experience leading IT organizations, combined with a strong record of advancing technology strategy, strengthening governance and leading transformative initiatives at numerous higher education institutions, positions him well to guide the campus community through development and implementation of a university-wide technology strategy."

Abouelenein brings more than 20 years of higher education technology leadership experience to Illinois State University. In previous roles, he has served as Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, and strategic advisor to presidents and chief financial officers at numerous institutions nationwide. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong record of advancing technology strategy, strengthening governance, improving operational effectiveness, and leading transformative initiatives that enhance institutional performance and innovation.

"Universities are in the business of people, and technology's job is to serve them: the student registering for classes at midnight, the professor trying a new idea in the classroom, the staff member whose systems just work. Illinois State's commitment to access and student success is the mission I have built my career around," said Abouelenein. "I'm joining a strong team in Technology Solutions, and we will build what comes next in partnership with colleagues across every college and division who know ISU far better than I do. So, I will start the way good partnerships start, by listening. Excellence by Design sets an ambitious course, and I can't wait to get to work. I'm proud to become a Redbird."

Abouelenein earned a bachelor's degree in computer systems from City University in Seattle, Wash., a master's degree in computer information systems from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctor of Management degree in organizational leadership with an emphasis in information systems and technology from the University of Phoenix.

Active in the community, Abouelenein has served on the board of the United Way of Wyandotte County and was elected president of the Missouri Information Technology Professional Alliance. He also volunteered at the United National International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).