Darrel Huish appointed vice chancellor for IT for MnSCU
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees today appointed Darrel Huish vice chancellor and chief information officer for the system.
Huish, 53, has been vice chancellor and chief information officer for Maricopa Community Colleges in Tempe, Ariz., since 2004. From 1996 to 2004, he was assistant vice provost for information technology at Arizona State University.
“Darrel Huish is a seasoned executive who has demonstrated skilled leadership in information technology – an increasingly important part of higher education’s infrastructure,” said Chancellor James H. McCormick. “I believe his experience and ability to see the big picture in this fast-changing area will be an important advantage for the system in the years ahead.”
Trustee Ruth Grendahl, chair of the board’s human resources committee and a participant in the selection process, said, “Mr. Huish has a passion for higher education and has shown that he will bring solid leadership to the Information Technology division. In the end, the board is committed to continuing to advance IT services for our students, faculty and staff.”
Huish held various other technology positions at Arizona State between 1985 and 1996. Previously, he was senior project leader and data processing supervisor for Arizona Phelps Dodge Corp. in Ajo, Ariz., and he held various computer services positions at Brigham Young University. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration, both from Arizona State University.
“I’m honored to accept the position,” Huish said. “I am stepping in to lead an information technology division that has taken great strides forward in the last few years. This is the result of a lot of hard work by many talented people. I look forward to working with them to keep improving technology services.”
Huish will be responsible for a network that serves more than 400,000 students, faculty and others by connecting dozens of smaller networks for the system’s 32 colleges. Besides enhancing teaching and learning, the network performs such essential functions as academic and student record keeping, business transactions and online courses.
Huish will replace Ken Niemi, who retired earlier this month. Huish will begin his duties April 5. Carolyn Parnell has been serving as interim vice chancellor and will resume her position as the division’s chief operating officer.
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system comprises 32 state universities and community and technical colleges serving the higher education needs of Minnesota. The system serves about 260,000 students per year in credit-based courses and an additional 164,000 students in non-credit courses.