On August 14, 2024, the Office of the President sent an email to all students and faculty announcing Tej Patel as the new Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer for the University.
In this role, Patel will work with other University council members to oversee and refine technology strategy. This includes improving coordination between IT services, collaborating with stakeholders and using technology to improve the student experience on campus. Building on these responsibilities, Patel will also drive technology expansion in teaching and research, manage system transitions, upgrade classroom tech and enhance IT planning and governance at Villanova.
Before Patel was appointed, the University conducted a thorough national search and reviewed many candidates. This search was led by the Executive Vice President, Roger Demareski, and his committee members, Brian Beacham, Sarah Caffrey, Danai Chasaki, Jen Derry, Ray Duffy, Tim Hoffman, Christine Palus, Randy Weinstein and Villanova trustee Darla Wolfe.
After evaluating all applicants, Patel was chosen as the best fit for the role.
In the statement released by the University, Demareski, Villanova University Executive Vice President, said that the search community was “extremely impressed with Tej’s background and experience, his proven ability to build strong teams and deliver high customer service and his knowledge of best practices, regulatory requirements and emerging technologies.”
Patel graduated from Montclair State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and received a Wharton Executive Global C-Suite Diploma from the University of Pennsylvania.
Previously, Patel has served as the Vice President and Chief Information Officer for both the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and Stevens Institute of Technology. Since starting at Stevens Institute of Technology in 2020, Patel has led multiple initiatives focusing on improving IT processes, defining culture, investing in new technologies, upgrading infrastructure and security and more.
In a press release to the University, Patel expressed his excitement to begin his work at Villanova University.
“Villanova is a vibrant and forward-thinking institution, and I’m truly honored to become a part of this remarkable community,” he said. “I am excited to represent and work alongside the talented technology team at Villanova, and I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across campus—from Father Peter and the leadership team to the board of trustees, deans, alumni, faculty, staff and students. As Villanova’s Strategic Plan underscores, together let us become what we are not yet.”
Patel will formally begin his position on Monday, September 9, 2024.
To honor and celebrate his appointment, the University will be hosting a reception in the TechZone, located in Dobbin Hall of the Commons. This event will take place on Thursday, September 12 at 3 p.m.
For more information on Tej Patel and his hire, please see the University press release at https://www1.villanova.edu/university/media/press-releases/2024/vp-cio.html
