VCU Names Chief Information Officer

By Mike Porter

Alexander L. Henson has been named chief information officer at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he will guide the development and implementation of an information technology strategy aligned with the research university’s strategic plan.

Henson, who joins VCU on April 1, comes from the University of Chicago, where he has served as chief operating officer and executive director for administration and operations for the Office of Information Technology Services.

At VCU he will be responsible for the delivery of IT services, maintenance of a secure infrastructure and achievement of the highest level of customer satisfaction. He also will be charged with supporting innovation in teaching, learning, research and scholarship and with long-term technology planning.

“Alex Henson brings with him experience in developing and supporting IT goals at a premier research university, and we are happy to see him join our efforts to become one of the top 50 urban research universities in the United States,” said David W. Hanson, VCU’s senior vice president and chief operating officer.

Henson earned his undergraduate degree in political science and a Master’s of Business Administration, both at the University of Chicago. He previously has held positions at Gr8Ride.com and Baxter International.