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This is an inside story focused on a leader in higher education technology, with over 24 years of experience, leading change, and organizational transformation in various business environments. Tony Moore, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), is one of our stars for this special “Prominent Leaders” edition. We had a tete-a-tete with the inspirational leader and talked about several aspects of his organization, 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 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 career.
PVAMU is committed to increasing access to higher education by providing affordable tuition, flexible learning options, transfer agreements, and outreach programs. These initiatives aim to support students in overcoming financial, and other obstacles to higher education, and achieving their academic and professional goals.
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 industry. Through a combination of budget forecasting, cost efficient procurement, and integration, he has repeatedly demonstrated throughout his career that he is a trailblazer 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. Tony has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science, which has given him a solid foundation in enterprise architecture, data and business analytics, and immersive learning technologies.
The visionary leader further explained, “Coming from a low-income upbringing, 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 impactful technological solutions that have changed organizations throughout my career.”
Tony is dedicated to driving innovation, being intentional about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and generating value for his organization and its stakeholders by leveraging his experience. He is committed to utilizing technology to influence and bridge gaps 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 prioritizes the physical and mental health of its employees and students. Building a culture of respect and accountability, putting safety procedures in place, and offering resources for mental health and wellness are all ways to promote greater engagement, and minimize risks for all.
By encouraging moral and intellectual standards, along with an honest and accountable community, PVAMU emphasizes the need to lead with integrity.
Hurdles Along the Way
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) can tend to have greater technological difficulties due to a lack of financing, obsolete technology, and restricted resources. As with many universities, Tony collaborates with renowned tech firms to introduce cutting-edge technology to PVAMU campuses. For instance, Google has started a program to support and provide resources for HBCU STEM students. Additionally, Microsoft has collaborated with several HBCUs to offer their faculty and students cloud services, AI, and other technological capabilities.
To provide students with the most current equipment and technology, Tony has been focused on updating the universities’ 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. Technology is everchanging. I pride myself in continued education, challenging myself to develop a deep understanding of the latest trends and advancements in technology and use that knowledge to drive progress in my personal and professional life”, the inspiring leader further added. On a professional level, he aspires to empower the organization to expand its technological presence and use technology to spur innovation, growth, and efficiency. Additionally, Tony wants to create and deploy IT solutions that support the organization’s strategic goals and keep it competitive in this fast-paced technology world.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
“Do not hesitate to dream. Recognize that your personal circumstances do not set a ceiling on your potential. Dream big, put in the necessary effort, stick with it through the ups and downs, and never give up. You can always adjust, but never give up. Learn from those who have come before you while remaining focused on your goals. Surround yourself with seasoned business owners as you navigate the difficulties of beginning a business. Join a business incubator or accelerator, attend networking events, and seek out mentorship and sponsorship opportunities. Most importantly, do your research and have a solid business plan.
