VP for information technology appointed at The University of Texas at Austin

September 28, 2006

AUSTIN, Texas—Brian E. Roberts, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Austin since 1994, has been appointed vice president for information technology.

The appointment of Roberts, who has been interim associate vice president and chief operating officer for information technology (ITS) since June 1, is effective Oct. 1. The appointment follows a national search conducted by a committee chaired by Kevin Hegarty, vice president and chief financial officer.

Brian E. Roberts

“I’m extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Roberts to the position of vice president for information technology,” said William Powers Jr., president of the university. “I know he will do a superb job addressing the information technology needs of the university and creating a shared vision for the development and enhancement of IT resources and services at the university.”

“I look forward to the opportunity to reach out across campus, to the students, the research community and the broader IT community to forge a more collaborative environment,” said Roberts, who also is a professor of government and economics at the university. “I recognize that we have a large IT community on this campus, and we’ll strive to determine how we can best leverage the tremendous wealth of knowledge and expertise at this institution to move the university forward.”

Concurrent with Roberts’ appointment to this new role, Dan Updegrove, who previously held the vice president position, will serve as special assistant to the vice president for information technology.

Roberts, who received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Trinity College and his doctor’s degree in economics from Washington University, has served nearly 15 years in key information technology positions at the university, including the past four months as interim associate vice president/chief operating officer. Starting in 2003, Roberts chaired the eUniversity Steering Committee, while serving on the IT Coordinating Council and the IT Advisory Committee. He has authored or co-authored a number of journal publications and book chapters on topics including political economy, the electoral process and financial markets.

Roberts has served on the editorial boards of the American Journal of Political Science, the Journal of Politics and the Journal of Business and Politics.

For more information contact: Robert D. Meckel, Office of Public Affairs, 512-475-7847.