Posted on Aug 24, 2010

Ellen Yu Borkowski is joining Union as the chief information officer, College officials announced today. She begins Nov. 1.

In her new role, Borkowski will oversee Information Technology Services, including all academic and administrative computing functions on campus, as well as Media Services and Telecommunications. She will supervise a staff of 30.

Ellen Yu Borkowski

Borkowski was selected following a nationwide search by a seven-member committee headed by Therese McCarty, the Stephen J. and Diane K. Ciesinski Dean of the Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Since 1995, Borkowski has held a number of titles at the University of Maryland, including the last nine years as the director of academic support in the Office of Information Technology, where she supervised 24 employees. The department is responsible for the innovative use of technology in education and research, including instructional design and development, faculty training and instructional facilities.

In addition, Borkowski was in charge of developing an updated strategic plan for the Office of Technology, and she served as project manager for a university initiative to learn how mobile devices can be used to enhance the student education experience.

Before joining Maryland, Borkowski was the instructional multimedia coordinator at North Dakota State University in Fargo.

She has presented at numerous conferences, including EDUCAUSE and Campus Technology 2010 in Boston, and has published many professional articles.

“We are thrilled to have someone with Ellen’s experience and leadership abilities join our campus community,” said McCarty. “We look forward to her strategic leadership of the College’s use of information technology in partnership with offices across campus.”

Borkowski received her bachelor of science in computer and systems engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and her master’s in Education Policy, Planning and Administration from the University of Maryland.

“I am excited to be joining Union, and I look forward to working with all members of the campus community in supporting their information technology needs,” Borkowski said.

Borkowski takes over for David Cossey, who retired this month after 23 years at Union, including the last seven as the chief information officer.

“Dave led Union’s IT department through a period of incredible technological change,” said McCarty. “He brought passion about his work and loyalty to Union College with him to the office every day, and he cared for members of the IT staff as if they were members of his family.”