A Leadership Journey at the Intersection of Technology and Student Success

Jonathan Fozard, Chief Information Officer at Florida State University

Jonathan Fozard, Chief Information Officer at Florida State University

Jonathan Fozard serves as the Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Florida State University, where he leads a team of over 800 IT professionals in Florida and at various international locations. With over 25 years of experience in executive technology positions, he manages all IT services, regional data centers, and technology initiatives, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

My professional journey has always been driven by a passion for customer service and a desire to leverage technology to solve complex challenges. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead in roles that allowed me to work at the intersection of IT and organizational leadership, with a particular focus on the education sector—a space I’ve always cared deeply about.

When I joined Florida State University, I was particularly drawn to the campus’s strong commitment to innovation. The leadership here, especially our President and Provost, do not just support the current technologies or cast a vision—they actively seek ways to integrate technology into our cutting-edge research and academic success initiatives.

One of the aspects I truly enjoy about my role at Florida State University is its unique breadth and scope. While I oversee the traditional components of a higher education campus, my responsibilities extend far beyond the classroom. FSU is a global institution, and I can support and enhance services not just on our main campus or locations across the state of Florida, but also at our international study centers in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy, as well as our campus in the Republic of Panama. FSU also has multiple K-12 schools under its umbrella, which means we’re involved in creating learning experiences at all levels of the educational spectrum. Beyond that, FSU plays a key role in supporting the state of Florida by managing the State of Florida Data Center, helping Florida’s citizens and state agencies enhance services and infrastructure.

2. What are the most significant trends and advancements that you believe will impact the

education industry?

I believe that the rapid adoption and evolution of artificial intelligence capabilities are fundamentally reshaping how we approach nearly every aspect of education. At FSU, we've already begun implementing AI-driven solutions. In our high-tech labs, we use AI to analyze data faster and have developed new AI training platforms to advance critical healthcare areas. Our innovative AI data reports have contributed to advancing FSU’s already impressive 96% first-year retention rates to be a leader nationwide.

When we think about trends, the most significant trend that stands out is the fact that we are on the cusp of an education revolution. Imagine the current platforms and future advances where specialized AI tutors can adapt in real-time to each learner's individual needs, identifying areas for improvement or providing focused exam preparation based on a student’s past performance. This kind of personalized learning could revolutionize outcomes, making education more efficient, tailored, and impactful than ever before.

“One of the biggest challenges over the next decade in EdTech will be ensuring equitable access to emerging technologies at all levels of education.”

3. What do you think are the biggest challenges in the EdTech landscape over the next

decade, and how are you preparing to address them?

One of the biggest challenges over the next decade in EdTech will be ensuring equitable access to emerging technologies at all levels of education. As innovations like AI and personalized learning rapidly evolve, we must make sure that every student, regardless of their background or geographic location, has the opportunity to benefit that is consistent with the speed of these advancements. It’s not enough for technology to simply exist—it must be accessible to all. The digital divide remains a significant issue, and bridging that gap is essential if we are to deliver on the promise of technology to enhance education for everyone.

Another pressing challenge is cybersecurity. As universities increasingly adopt sophisticated digital tools to improve learning and operations, the risk of data breaches or cyberattacks grows exponentially. Protecting sensitive personal and institutional data while maintaining secure environments has to remain a top priority. This requires a proactive and adaptive approach—cybersecurity can no longer be an afterthought; it must be foundational to every project and plan.

In addition to addressing these challenges, everyone should be focused on building a pipeline of future technology leaders. When I became CIO, one of my key initiatives was to drive student success through technology, and a significant part of that vision was expanding our internship program. We set out to dramatically increase the number of technology-focused internships on campus through our department. Today, we have over 100 paid technology interns each semester working within ITS. This program not only provides hands-on experience to students, helping them develop real-world skills but also plays a critical role in enhancing their academic journey that will contribute to the future of our technology innovations and industry.

4. Can you describe the process and methods you have in place at Florida State University?

What considerations went into selecting these educational frameworks?

At FSU, we take a collaborative approach when it comes to selecting and implementing technology frameworks. A great example of this is our technology realignment initiative, which focuses on better integration across our technology positions while still preserving the local expertise that meets the unique needs of each area of a college campus.

Beyond collaboration, we place a strong emphasis on scalability and flexibility. In an environment as dynamic as education and research, it’s essential that our technology solutions are adaptable and can grow with us. We’re investing in data platforms, AI-driven tools, and collaborative systems that can evolve with the university’s needs and aspirations. By investing in flexible systems and innovation pilots, FSU remains at the forefront of technological advancements to support our faculty, staff, and students with cutting-edge tools that foster success.

5. What advice would you give others looking to adopt emerging education technologies

and other approaches? What are the key considerations and potential pitfalls they

should be aware of?

When it comes to adopting emerging education technologies, my first piece of advice is to start with a clear vision of what you want to achieve. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of new tools and innovations; but without a well-defined plan, those investments may not deliver sustainable outcomes.

Second, engage your stakeholders early and often. Whether it’s faculty, students, or administrative staff, the success of any new technology depends heavily on the people who will be using it day-to-day. Involving them in the process, from the beginning, builds buy-in and ensures that the chosen solutions meet their needs.

Finally, be mindful of scalability and security. The technology landscape is constantly evolving, and what works for you today may not fit your needs in the future. As you adopt new tools, confirm that they have the flexibility to grow and adapt with your organization.

Technology can be a transformative force in education—but only when it’s aligned with a clear purpose and supported by the right people and processes.