Craig A. Fowler, an information technology executive with more than 20 years of private-sector experience with several Fortune 500 companies, is Western Carolina University’s next chief information officer.

A resident of Hickory, Fowler (pictured) will succeed Wilson “Bil” Stahl, who has served as Western Carolina’s CIO since 2005. Most recently vice president of information technology at Corning Cable Systems, Fowler also will serve as associate provost for information services.

“Craig joins us at a time when technology is at the forefront of all that we do,” WCU Provost Kyle Carter said in announcing the appointment. “Whether it is classroom instruction or business processes, the university depends upon its technology infrastructure to function well. Craig will find a good foundation waiting for him, but also will be challenged by increasing technology needs within the context of shrinking resources. His corporate experience will provide a different perspective that will enable us to think outside of the box, an imperative during tight budget times.”

Fowler was selected from more than 250 candidates from across the country, said Robert McMahan, dean of WCU’s Kimmel School of Construction Management and Technology, who chaired the campus search committee charged with finding Stahl’s successor.

“I was pleased that such a large number of highly qualified professionals wanted to join our university,” McMahan said. “I believe that Craig Fowler has the experience and skills needed to build upon Bil’s work and to take the university’s information technology infrastructure and personnel to the next level. He will be a valuable addition to the leadership team.”

As vice president of information technology at Corning Cable Systems, Fowler served as CIO for the telecommunication cable and hardware division of the international Corning corporation. He also served as an information technology executive in positions at Dell, Raytheon and Texas Instruments.

Fowler was appointed in 2004 and 2007 by then-Gov. Mike Easley as a commissioner for the e-NC Authority, a state initiative to link all North Carolinians, especially those in rural areas, to the Internet. He was a member of the board of directors of the N.C. Technology Association from 2002 until January 2009.

A graduate of the University of West Florida with a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics, Fowler earned his master’s degree in business administration at the University of Dallas.

“I am very excited with the opportunity and privilege to be joining the Western Carolina University team. The faculty, staff and executive management I’ve had the pleasure to meet are impressive,” Fowler said. “In addition to the people, three main things attracted me to Western Carolina – being part of a team that is dedicated to preparing students to make a difference in their world; the increasing infusion of information technology into the university’s academic learning and administrative processes; and the vision of Western Carolina, under Chancellor John Bardo’s leadership, to make a difference in our state and the western region.”

As a member of the university’s senior management team, the CIO is responsible for overseeing the university’s information technology operations and providing strategic leadership in planning, developing, implementing and maintaining technology and information systems that support the academic and administrative goals of the university.

Fowler’s first day on the job will be Monday, July 27.

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Last Modified: Friday, July 10, 2009