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University of Florida

Office of the CIO

Elias G. EldayrieHeadshot of CIO Elias Eldayrie

Elias G. Eldayrie has been the Vice President and Chief Information Officer for the University of Florida since 2010. During his tenure, Eldayrie supported UF's rise as one of the nation's top-5 public universities and its emerging leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. Eldayrie's effort included modernizing and expanding UF's complete suite of research, student, and institutional computing systems.

Under Eldayrie's leadership, UF has created a world-class research computing environment. At its core is HiPerGator, a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence supercomputer built in partnership with NVIDIA. HiPerGator is HITRUST certified and supports one-third of UF's One Billion dollars research portfolio projects. It is the central element of the University's artificial intelligence initiative to educate the future AI workforce-- a unique initiative in higher education.

Eldayrie modernized UF's student computing services, including the teaching and learning services that enable the University's growing online education programs and student success initiatives. He redesigned UF's IT resources and governance to align with the University's strategic goal of reaching the top-5 rank of national public universities. Eldayrie has also expanded UF's IT operation and oversees an annual $100+ million in technology investments and more than 500 Information Technology employees.

In addition, Eldayrie oversaw the implementation of one of the first 100-gig ethernet networks in the nation. He led the deployment of one Wi-Fi system at UF locations across Florida's 67 counties. Eldayrie also serves on Florida LambdaRail, Internet2, and Unizin boards and other leadership positions pursuing state and national IT priorities, including the State of Florida Cybersecurity Advisory Council on information security.

Before arriving at UF, Eldayrie served as the chief information officer at the University at Buffalo, New York's most prominent public AAU University, where he spent 23 years. He holds an MBA and a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University at Buffalo. When not at his desk, Eldayrie enjoys teaching a class in leadership at UF's Warrington College of Business and joining his family in cheering for the Gators.

Office of the CIO

The CIO guides the decision-making processes through the IT Governance. Through well-established engagement mechanisms and processes, the CIO ensures that all groups relying on IT within the UF community have the ability to provide input that reaches all levels of the IT Governance structure.

 

UF Information Technology governance is a well-defined, transparent process. These topical advisory workgroups provide recommendations and guidance on policies, standards, and priorities in support of the university’s mission and business goals.

Role

The Office of the CIO oversees and manages IT Governance, including the planning processes. The CIO, as member of the IT Cabinet, has authoritative involvement in campus IT decisions. In addition, the following responsibilities are included:

  • Guides UFIT Governance to establish priorities and allocate resources
  • Channels UF-wide policy, standard, and investment recommendations of the IT Policy Council to the IT Cabinet
  • Fosters constructive communication between the IT Governance layers and receives unresolved complaints
  • Engages the UF community and multiple constituencies in IT Governance
  • Ensures that the IT Cabinet is able to function in its role as joint decision-making authority regarding campus IT investments
  • Collaborates with pertinent other stakeholders, including the Faculty Senate, key businesses, academic, and IT leaders