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John O'Brien

President and CEO at EDUCAUSE

John O'Brien is the President and CEO of EDUCAUSE, a nonprofit association dedicated to advancing higher education through technology innovation. He has held this position since May 2015.13

Background and Education

Dr. O'Brien holds a bachelor's degree in English from Augustana University, a master's degree in Anglo-Irish Literature from Trinity College Dublin, and a doctorate in English from the University of Minnesota.2

Career Highlights

Higher Education Leadership::

  • Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
  • President of North Hennepin Community College (2010-2013)
  • Acting President of Century College (2008-2009)
  • Academic Vice President/Chief Academic Officer at Century College (2005-2008)

Technology and Innovation::

  • Associate Vice Chancellor for Instructional Technology at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (1999-2005)
  • Led the "Students First" initiative to redesign online systems for improved student experience

Teaching Experience::

  • 15 years of college/university teaching, primarily in literature and composition
  • Taught at various institutions including Normandale Community College, Augsburg University, University of Minnesota, University of St. Thomas, and Augustana University

Role at EDUCAUSE

As President and CEO of EDUCAUSE, Dr. O'Brien:

  • Oversees a membership of over 2,000 colleges, universities, and organizations across 41 countries
  • Leads the organization in its mission to advance higher education through technology innovation
  • Speaks and writes on topics related to higher education, technology, and their intersection13

Personal

Dr. O'Brien lives in Seattle with his spouse Kathryn and has three children: Nathan, Alex, and Thessaly.1

Highlights

Jul 24 · linkedin

ChatGPT is shaking up the game: AI-generated student work means grades might not always reflect what students actually know. How can we embrace this change and leverage it to enhance student learning?

Nov 30 · linkedin

Federal Student Aid has unveiled a revised version of its Student Aid Internet Gateway Agreement, notably excluding a NIST SP 800-171 compliance requirement while citing a specific provision for controlled unclassified information marking guidance related to Federal Tax Information. This EDUCAUSE Review article explore more – make sure to check it out.

Related Questions

What are some of the key initiatives John O'Brien has implemented at EDUCAUSE?
How has John O'Brien's background in English literature influenced his leadership style at EDUCAUSE?
What challenges has John O'Brien faced in his role as CEO of EDUCAUSE?
How does John O'Brien envision the future of technology in higher education?
What are some notable achievements of John O'Brien in his previous roles in higher education?
John O'Brien
John O'Brien, photo 1
John O'Brien, photo 2
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Location

Washington D.C. Metro Area