Hilary Baker was appointed as the new cheif information officer at CSUN June 9, replacing Bob Moulton who had been the interim chief since October 2005.
Even though Baker took office just six weeks ago, she has more than 20 years of information technology experience in higher education and in nonprofit environments.
The primary role of the CIO is to oversee the information technology services at the university. The CIO is responsible for the Information Technology Resources division, which provides users access to information technology and resources for the entire university.
Baker worked at Pepperdine University for two years as their chief information officer. During her tenure at Pepperdine, she changed its registration system to a system called WaveNet, which is similar to CSUN’s Web portal, SOLAR.
“She has brought this campus ahead in times. Both in IT information, as well as services that will help make the campus more productive,” said Jonathan See, Senior Director of IT administration at Pepperdine University. “There will be less paperwork and better accountability.”
Baker and See have both worked at J. Paul Getty Trust/Museum and for CSU campuses.
“I miss working with Hilary Baker, we have common acquaintances,” said See. “She has brought a lot to this campus.”
Although Pepperdine has a smaller student body than CSUN, with approximately 8,500 students, according to Baker, she is sure that she can have an impact on CSUN’s student body as well. Baker’s main goal at the beginning of this semester are to make sure that Information Technology Resources is ready for the new students.
“Improving the student portal is a big focus this year,” said Baker. “I will also be listening to find out what other areas need improvement.”
The web portal has undergone many changes since last year, so Baker has been observing all the technological changes going on around campus. The website and the portal are the most important services for students and faculty. Baker will be reporting directly to President Jolene Koester and serve as a member of her cabinet.
Moulton, who moved to Indiana, helped train Baker, along with Dr. Steven Fitzgerald, Chief Technology Officer.
“Bob has been very helpful,” said Baker. “He’s willing to help out; through e-mail and over the phone. He’s helped make the transition a lot smoother.”
Baker comes to CSUN with double bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and geography from the University of Birmingham, England, and a master’s in architecture and urban planning from UCLA.
Before Pepperdine, Baker served as the senior director of Information Technology Services for the California State University Office of the chancellor. She managed the planning, designing and support of a system-wide student information system to support the administrative requirements of the 23 CSU campuses.
Baker also held appointments at the J. Paul Getty Trust/Museum, such as manager of information systems.
Baker said she is thrilled to be at CSUN and she looks forward to working with the faculty, staff and students.
