University of Oklahoma Chief Information Officer and Senior Associate Vice President David Horton was named Penn State’s vice president for information technology and chief information officer Thursday.

Horton’s role with begin on a part-time basis before kicking off full time on June 1.

Horton will report to Sara Thorndike, the university’s senior vice president for finance and business and treasurer, and will oversee Penn State IT.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to return to Pennsylvania and work alongside the strong community of IT professionals at Penn State, providing efficient, secure, reliable and innovative technology services to our students, faculty and staff,” Horton said in a release. “In this way, we are helping to enhance the positive impact that Penn State and our alumni create every day across the globe.”  

The Oklahoma City University graduate was the former chief information officer at the University of Oklahoma, and in his role, reduced IT costs and enhanced efficiencies, oversaw cybersecurity advancements, and integrated IT policies.

“David brings a wealth of experience and expertise with him as he takes the helm of Penn State’s IT operations,” Thorndike said. “His track record and dedication will serve him well in this critical leadership role. We’re excited to welcome David to the University and very much look forward to working with him as he provides innovative, strategic IT direction University-wide.”