TACOMA, Wash. — Following an extensive and highly competitive national search, University of Puget Sound has named Francisco Chavez as chief information officer and associate vice president for technology services effective Feb. 13, 2023. Chavez comes to Puget Sound from St. Mary’s College of California in Moraga, California, where he has served for the last eight years, including two years as the college’s chief information officer.
“We are thrilled to welcome Francisco to Puget Sound,” said Puget Sound Executive Vice President Kimberly Kvaal. “With his depth of expertise in IT systems and management, consultative style, and proven commitment to prioritizing the user experience on campus, we’re excited to have Francisco spearhead our efforts to support the success of our students, faculty, and staff through innovative technology solutions.”
Chavez is a graduate of St. Mary’s College, holding both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from the institution. A forward-thinking strategist and leader, Chavez implemented several key initiatives during his time at St. Mary’s College to improve the organization’s information technology infrastructure, ensure data security, and align technology solutions to the institution’s goals.
“I am excited to join University of Puget Sound and lead Technology Services into the future,” says Chavez.
With a visionary president, a dynamic and dedicated senior leadership team, passionate students, and exceptional faculty and staff, Puget Sound has momentum to achieve its ambitious 10-year strategic plan, Leadership for a Changing World, which challenges the university to be bold and forward-looking in the delivery of education and in meeting the needs of current and future generations of students. As chief information officer, Chavez will oversee Technology Services and will play a critical role in the execution of Puget Sound’s strategic plan by guiding and implementing a strategy that will include streamlining and integrating systems, optimizing software applications, and enhancing data sharing and technology services for the campus.
About Puget Sound
A nationally ranked residential liberal arts and sciences college in Tacoma, Wash., University of Puget Sound enrolls 1,800 undergraduate students from across the country and around the world, as well as 300 graduate students in education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and public health. A low student-faculty ratio provides Puget Sound students with personal attention from faculty members who have a strong commitment to teaching and offer 1,200 courses each year in more than 50 areas of study. Puget Sound graduates include Rhodes and Luce scholars, notables in the arts and culture, scholars and scientists, entrepreneurs and elected officials, and leaders in business and finance locally and throughout the world. A top producer of Fulbright U.S. Students, Puget Sound is the only nationally ranked independent liberal arts college in Western Washington, and one of just five independent colleges in the Northwest granted a charter by Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society.
