Chris Boothman Promoted to Vice Chancellor with Information Technology Leadership

08/12/2024

JONESBORO - Chancellor Todd Shields has elevated Chris Boothman to vice chancellor and added responsibilities as chief information officer (CIO), as he continues to lead online learning and global outreach at Arkansas State University.

Boothman, who joined the university staff in 2010, has served as senior associate vice chancellor since last year. In his new role as vice chancellor for distance education and technology, and CIO, he is adding the Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) to the areas he directs.

"I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead our ITS team. A-State has a long history of leading the region in academic excellence, research, and innovation. Campus technology plays an integral role in excelling in these areas," Boothman said. "I look forward to enhancing our technological capabilities to support our students, faculty, and staff."

"Chris has proven himself to be a transformational leader at Arkansas State," Shields said. "He is resourceful, a great communicator, and always willing to accept challenges to guide the university toward new opportunities. He has excelled in his previous roles, and I am excited to work with him in this new position."

Boothman became director of A-State Online faculty support in 2018 after working with the Registrar's Office for eight years. With the registrar, he moved from responsibilities as assistant director and systems analyst, coordinating needs for student records with Information Technology Services, to associate registrar, prior to moving to online programs.

"Our goal is to foster an environment that embraces digital transformation, ensuring that A-State remains at the forefront of higher education technology," Boothman added. "With the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, it is critical that we are ready to embrace change, while continuing to meet the needs of our students, faculty, and staff across campus. It is also important for us to maintain the security of our data to ensure our constituents' information is protected."

A 2005 graduate of the University of Manchester with his Bachelor of Science with honors in computer science and geography, Boothman earned his Master of Business Administration degree from A-State in August 2010.