Southern University System names Ronald Solomon as chief information officer

Southern University System names Ronald Solomon as chief information officer

The Southern University System has appointed Ronald Solomon as chief information officer (CIO), bringing more than three decades of experience in information technology leadership, enterprise systems management, cybersecurity, and strategic planning to the nation's only historically Black university system.

Solomon was selected following a national search conducted with the assistance of TM² Executive Search, the firm retained by the System to support executive recruitment efforts. Through a comprehensive search process, TM² identified and evaluated highly qualified candidates, ultimately yielding a strong pool of professionals from which Solomon emerged as the successful candidate.

As CIO, Solomon will lead the System's technology strategy, infrastructure, cybersecurity initiatives, enterprise applications, and digital transformation efforts in support of more than 14,000 students, faculty, and staff across the System's five campuses.

"The chief information officer plays a critical role in ensuring that Southern University remains secure and responsive to the evolving needs of higher education," said Orlando F. McMeans, interim president of the Southern University System. "We are grateful to TM² Executive Search for assisting us in identifying an outstanding candidate in Mr. Solomon. His extensive experience and strategic vision make him exceptionally well-suited to guide our technology initiatives as we continue to strengthen and modernize our institutions."

Solomon joins Southern after serving as CIO at Baton Rouge Community College, where he led strategic technology planning aligned with institutional and statewide goals. During his tenure, he oversaw Banner ERP operations, data governance, cybersecurity programs, infrastructure modernization, network operations, and technology procurement while advancing collaboration and shared services across higher education institutions.

An accomplished technology executive, Solomon is recognized for leading system-wide IT governance, modernization initiatives, cloud migration projects and cybersecurity improvements. His work has focused on aligning technology investments with institutional priorities while enhancing operational resilience, improving user experiences and strengthening cybersecurity governance.

Solomon earned a Master of Science degree in computer science from Colorado Technical University and a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from McNeese State University. He is an Oracle Certified Professional and serves in several statewide technology leadership roles, including vice chair of the State CIO Group. He is a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Cybersecurity Committee and the Council of Information Services Directors.

The Southern University System is the nation's only historically Black university system and includes Southern University and A&M College, Southern University at New Orleans, Southern University at Shreveport, the Southern University Law Center, and the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.