Dan Harder has been selected to serve as the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s chief academic technology officer and deputy chief information officer.

Harder has spent nearly two decades in higher education in various technology and leadership roles. He served most recently as vice chancellor for information technology and chief information officer at the UT Health Science Center.

“I am extremely happy to have such an experienced information technology executive to join our team as my deputy and our chief academic technology officer,” said Ramon Padilla Jr., chief information officer and vice chancellor for information technology and innovation. “The role of CATO is a new one for UT and was purposefully created to demonstrate our focus on research and the academic mission. Dan not only brings leadership and experience to our team but seemingly boundless energy.”

The role of the chief academic technology officer and deputy CIO is to provide strategic leadership and direction for academic and research technology applications, including working with faculty to understand the teaching and learning environment, reviewing technological options related to teaching needs with faculty, and supporting the research needs of the university, among other duties and responsibilities.

In his role at UTHSC, Harder provided leadership, support and coordination across all facets of technology planning, delivery and design as he partnered with campus leaders and faculty to implement technology solutions.

Harder holds a Bachelor of Music in music education from Appalachian State University and a Master of Project Management from Western Carolina University.