This is the inside story focused on a leader in higher education technology with over 24 years of experience leading change and organisational transformation in different business environments. Tony Moore, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Prairie View A&M University, is one of our stars for this special “Prominent Leaders” edition. We had a tete-a-tete with the inspirational leader and talked about a number of aspects of his organisation as well as his leadership style. As the PVAMU CIO, Tony provides the overall direction and leadership for developing creative approaches and initiatives that serve the strategic objectives and mission of the university.
Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) in a Glance
The Texas A&M University System includes Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), a historically black college in Prairie View, Texas. PVAMU is committed to offering its students a high-quality education and resources so they can build better futures for themselves and their communities. PVAMU also places a lot of emphasis on volunteering and serving the community. The university offers students chances to participate in community service initiatives and encourages them to do so. In addition to learning the value of giving back to their communities, students gain leadership and teamwork skills through these experiences that will help them in their future jobs.
PVAMU is committed to increasing access to higher education by providing affordable tuition, flexible learning options, transfer agreements, and outreach programmes. These initiatives aim to support students in overcoming financial and other obstacles to higher education and achieving their academic and professional objectives.
The Professional Journey of the Visionary Leader
From the early years of personal computers to the current era of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, Tony Moore has created a career in the technology sector. Through a combination of budget forecasting, cost-efficient procurement, and integration, he has repeatedly demonstrated throughout his career that he is a valuable asset in building enterprise management solutions. He constantly creates plans to implement 21st-century innovations in an atmosphere that encourages the effective and efficient use of technology. He has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science, which has given me a solid foundation in database management, software engineering, and computer systems.
The visionary leader further explained, “Coming from a low-poverty background, I have always been passionate about using technology to improve people’s lives and make a positive impact in the world. My professional focus has been on creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. I have led teams of programmers, engineers, and project managers to produce difficult technological solutions that have changed organisations and sectors throughout my career.”
Tony is dedicated to driving innovation, advancing diversity and inclusion, and generating value for his organisation and its stakeholders via the use of his skills, knowledge, and experience. He is committed to utilising technology to have a beneficial influence since, in his words, “technology has the power to transform the world.
Fostering Inclusion, Safety, Integrity, and Transparency
This is accomplished through activities that train academics, staff, and students about diversity, offer resources to underrepresented groups, and foster chances for cross-cultural interaction and communication. PVAMU prioritises the physical and mental health of its personnel and students in order to encourage safety. Building a culture of respect and accountability, putting safety procedures into place, and offering resources for mental health and wellness are all ways to promote good relationships and avoid harassment and violence.
By respecting moral and intellectual standards and encouraging an honest and accountable community, PVAMU works to advance integrity. The entire team is encouraged to be open by prioritising the physical and mental health of the staff and students. This can be accomplished by putting safety procedures in place, offering resources for mental health and wellness, and cultivating an environment of respect and accountability that encourages healthy relationships and discourages harassment and violence.
Hurdles Along the Way
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) suffer particular technical difficulties due to a lack of financing, obsolete technology, and restricted resources. Like the majority of colleges, Tony collaborates with significant tech firms to introduce cutting-edge technology to its campuses. For instance, Google has started a programme to support and provide resources for HBCU computer science programmes. Additionally, Microsoft has collaborated with a number of HBCUs to offer their faculty and students cloud services, AI, and other technological capabilities.
To provide students with the most recent equipment and technology, Tony has been concentrating on updating their IT infrastructure. These initiatives include providing high-speed internet access across campus and updating computer laboratories, schools, and libraries with contemporary hardware and software.
The Next Chapter of Growth – Personal & Professional
As a technology enthusiast, Tony aims to increase his knowledge and expertise in the field of emerging technologies and use it to make a positive impact in the world. “I am committed to constantly learning and exploring new ideas, tools, and technologies to improve my skills and stay ahead of the curve. I aim to develop a deep understanding of the latest trends and advancements in technology and use it to drive innovation and progress in my personal and professional life”, the inspiring leader further added.
On a professional level, he aspires to empower the organisation to expand its technological presence and use technology to spur innovation, growth, and efficiency. Additionally, he wants to create and deploy IT solutions that support the organisation’s strategic goals and keep it competitive in the fast-paced business world of today.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Do not hesitate to dream. Recognise that your circumstances do not set a ceiling on your potential. Dream big, put in a lot of effort, stick with it through the ups and downs, and never give up. Learn from those who have come before you while remaining focused and loyal to your objective. Get support and advice from seasoned business owners as you negotiate the difficulties of beginning a business by surrounding yourself with them. Join a business incubator or accelerator, attend networking events, and seek out mentorship opportunities. Most importantly, do your research and have a solid business plan.
