Morgan State University Names Dr. Timothy Summers as Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

Accomplished Technologist to Lead Digital Innovation, Cybersecurity, and IT Strategy

BALTIMORE — Morgan State University has appointed Timothy C. Summers, Ph.D., as its new Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer (CIO). In this role, Dr. Summers wildl oversee the Division of Information Technology (DIT), leading efforts to enhance cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and technological innovation in alignment with Morgan’s institutional mission and long-term strategic plan, Transformation Morgan 2030. He assumes this position effective March 26, 2025, succeeding Dr. Cynthia Mendoza, who has served as interim CIO since August 2023.

“Following a comprehensive national search, we are excited to welcome Dr. Summers to the Morgan family. With his depth of expertise and visionary leadership, we are confident that he will advance the efficiency and innovation of our University’s IT infrastructure,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “As we continue to expand our research and academic capabilities, his experience will be instrumental in ensuring Morgan remains at the forefront of digital transformation.”

As the new CIO, Dr. Summers will lead initiatives to optimize the University’s IT operations, enhance data security, and integrate emerging technologies that support student success, faculty research, and administrative efficiency. His responsibilities include developing and executing a strategic IT plan, strengthening institutional security, modernizing enterprise systems, and ensuring that technology investments align with Morgan’s innovation and global engagement goals. Dr. Summers will report to Morgan’s Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, David LaChina.

“The role of Chief Information Officer requires not just visionary leadership, but also a deep commitment to driving digital transformation within an institution. This involves effectively managing projects to deliver meaningful services to faculty, students, and external stakeholders,” said LaChina. “In an era of rapid technological advancement, a CIO must not only possess the current industry-standard credentials but also continuously refine their advanced skills to navigate the complexities of the higher education landscape. We are confident that Dr. Summers embodies the qualities necessary to excel in this pivotal role.”

Dr. Summers brings over two decades of experience spanning academia, government, and industry. Most recently, he served as executive director of Cloud and Advanced Network Engineering Services at Arizona State University (ASU), where he co-founded and directed Next Lab, pioneering advancements in artificial intelligence, extended reality, and Web3 technologies. Additionally, he was the creator of ASU Pocket, a digital credentials ecosystem, and a Senior Global Futures Scholar at the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic showcased his ability to align technology with mission-critical outcomes, including designing scalable cloud strategies and securing more than $5.5 million in philanthropic funding for digital initiatives.

Prior to his role in higher education, Dr. Summers contributed significantly to national security, serving as a manager and systems security designer for the U.S. Department of Defense. He authored foundational cybersecurity guidelines and played a key role at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he was pivotal in securing billions in federal contracts for Booz Allen Hamilton across a variety of contracted efforts, supporting national security and technology initiatives.

An accomplished entrepreneur and educator, Dr. Summers has developed cybersecurity frameworks, advised venture capital firms, and founded Vitazi.ai, an AI-powered healthcare innovation platform. His award-winning research, including his groundbreaking study How Hackers Think, has been featured in major media outlets such as CNN, FOX Business, and Bloomberg.

“It is an incredible honor to join one of the most respected Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the country,” said Dr. Summers. “Morgan State is already a force in education, a university with deep roots and limitless potential. My mission is simple: amplify what’s great, push beyond expectations, and make sure our technology isn’t just keeping up with the future – it’s defining it. We’re not here to follow trends; we’re here to set them.”

Dr. Summers holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Management from Case Western Reserve University, an M.S. in Information Security Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, and a B.S. in Computer Science and Business Administration from Elizabeth City State University. A strong advocate for innovation and education, he serves on several boards, including the CIP Institute and Leonardo/ISAST, advocating for the intersection of science, technology, and the arts.

Under Dr. Summers’ leadership, Morgan’s Division of Information Technology will work towards not just evolving – but embarking on a bold new chapter, focusing on innovation, alignment with institutional goals, and a dynamic response approach to technology. This transformation will set a new standard for digital excellence, aligning with Morgan’s mission as Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University.

About Morgan

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 150 academic degree and certificate programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.

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Media Contacts:

Cheryl Stewart or Larry Jones, for Morgan State University PR
443-885-3022