Node 4 News from around UIT

Though UIT’s role will be more limited than in the past, its efforts are integral to the success of a long-term, $155 million student housing initiative underway south of Kahlert Village. The new residential complex is expected to open in fall 2026.

As previously announced, Ken Pink, the University of Utah’s deputy chief information officer since 2015, will retire on October 31, 2025. Chief Information Officer Steve Hess has announced a series of organizational changes related to Pink’s retirement.

CIO Steve Hess, who will retire in 2026, hosted his last UIT All-Hands Meeting on October 8. The annual meeting gives Hess an opportunity to share organizational updates and the strategic direction of UIT and university at large, and concluded with the presentation of the Kevin Taylor Memorial Service Award.

In recent months, the Smells Like Team Spirit Committee has sponsored a breakfast, lunch, ice cream and trivia social, walking challenge, and initiative to honor a former student intern and highlight kindhearted employees.

The Enterprise Web Advisory Council (EWAC) met on October 9, the Architecture and New Technology Committee (ANTC) met on October 13, and the Teaching and Learning Portfolio (TLP) met on October 21. The Strategic Information Technology Committee (SITC) will reconvene on November 11. TLP returns on November 18, EWAC reconvenes on December 11, and ANTC next meets on January 26, 2026.

UIT staff recognized for their excellent work.

The Payson native uses a people-first approach to create a work environment where his peers and staff feel trusted, respected, and motivated to innovate.

The event featured keynote addresses by UIT CIO Steve Hess on the evolution of IT, UETN Director of Operations Troy Jessup on video games and his career, and UIT Technical Writer Patrick Harris on documentation in addition to 10 breakout sessions on AI, cybersecurity, and various IT tools.