SAINT MARYS, GA, September 23, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Steven Burrell has been recognized for achievement in education leadership and information technology.

Dr. Burrell's career in educational leadership and technology spans more than four decades, culminating in his 2026 retirement as Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Northern Arizona University (NAU). Throughout his career, he served as CIO at five higher education institutions, making service consolidation, digital equity, and strategic innovation the hallmarks of his leadership.

In addition to his executive post at NAU from 2016 to 2026, he served as Professor of Practice in the College of Education (2020–2025).

At NAU and through the Sun Corridor Network, Dr. Burrell partnered with the State of Arizona and the governor's office to expand broadband into rural regions, significantly benefiting tribal communities. He also spearheaded foundational Smart Campus initiatives—integrating information and operational technologies to modernize services and infrastructure.

Prior to NAU, Dr. Burrell served as VP and CIO at Georgia Southern University (2007–2016), where he centralized IT services, expanded research computing, and served on the founding board for shared services across the University System of Georgia. From 2003 to 2007, he served as VP and CIO at Saint Leo University, partnering with U.S. military agencies to expand access to higher education for active-duty service members. Earlier appointments include ten years as CIO at Plymouth State University (1992–2003), seven years directing computing services at Hutchinson Community College—where he helped build a regional healthcare fiber network—and his early career at Colorado State University, where he launched the institution's first microcomputer laboratory and smart classrooms in 1983.

Nationally, Dr. Burrell has served on the Microsoft CIO Advisory Board (2018–2025), the Sun Corridor Network Board of Directors (2016–2026), and the Internet2 I2I Steering Committee, advancing professional learning experiences for young professionals. His governance service also includes the Center for Higher Education CIO Studies, various EDUCAUSE committees, projects and professional development courses, and efforts to drive IT adoption with other groups, such as the Association of Physical Plant Administrators. He was also a founding mentor for the Next Leaders Fellowship, advancing the careers of aspiring higher education leaders.

His scholarly credentials reflect a parallel commitment to lifelong learning. Dr. Burrell holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Sterling College; an M.Ed. in Educational Technology from Plymouth State University; an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University; an M.Ed. certificate in College Teaching from NAU; and an executive certificate from Harvard University's Institute for Educational Management. A former collegiate athlete, he credits sports with instilling the resilience and "anti-fragility" that guide his approach to leadership and institutional change.

In the community, Dr. Burrell has served as President among other in Rotary International, and on community boards for animal welfare and hospice care. His civic impact extends to securing National Science Foundation grants to expand internet connectivity across Navajo Nation, Hopi, and Zuni lands, as well as deploying community Wi-Fi access points for Indigenous communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An active author, Dr. Burrell published two books, *The Smart Campus Manifesto* and *The CIO Job Profile and Performance Model*, in 2026, building on his frequent contributions to *EDUCAUSE Review* and other technology publications. Recognized as a top influencer by *EdTech Magazine*, he has earned commendations from state governors and industry peers alike. He holds a U.S. patent for an AI-enabled competency-based flex curriculum planner that evaluates applicant backgrounds, competencies, and prior learning to map flexible, competency-based post-secondary curricula and coursework.

Dr. Burrell shares his life with his wife, Carolyn, a retired higher education housing professional, and their two adult children. Outside of consulting and writing on AI, robotics, and smart campuses, he spends his time playing guitar and Native American flute, kayaking, fishing, and volunteering. Across every chapter, his philosophy remains grounded in collaborative community-building and mentorship: lasting institutional transformation happens only through genuine relationships and earned trust.

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