Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in information management and technology leadership?
A: I have always been drawn to the world of technology and started my career through management consulting in the aerospace and defense industry. I soon realized that I yearned for something more diverse and engaging within the field of information management.
From there, my passion for leadership and innovation blossomed. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate enough to work alongside remarkable individuals who were committed to creating transformative experiences and shaping the future. Their bold and progressive leadership inspired me to do the same and I have relished the challenge of leading teams to new heights.
I have always believed that it’s important to question the status quo and challenge assumptions to achieve greatness. As a leader, I have never shied away from those responsibilities. By embracing change and leading with conviction, I am confident in my ability to drive success here at ASU.
Q: You come to us from leadership roles at Twitter. How did managing key aspects at a large social media platform prepare you for ASU’s community?
A: At Twitter, I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of valuing people and their perspectives, which is a value that both Twitter and ASU share. However, what really impressed me about Twitter was their constant drive to mature processes and technology, always striving to keep up with user expectations and regulatory commitments.
I see that same drive to push the boundaries as leaders in higher education here at ASU. I’m inspired by ASU President Crow, COO Chris Howard, our CIO Lev Gonick, and Provost Nancy Gonzalez who refuse to settle for the status quo and are committed to being at the forefront of innovation in higher education.
It’s invigorating to be a part of a team that is constantly seeking to improve and make a difference. With such a diverse and global organization, there are many moving pieces, but it’s clear that we are all working towards a common goal of leading the frontier in higher education. And it has me all jazzed up to be here.
Q. There is tremendous growth in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models that could pose risks but offer nearly endless opportunities. How can the university implement AI governance or policy to safeguard academic integrity and grow alongside emerging technology?
A: A lot of universities are grappling with the big question of how to use AI. We need to start by clarifying our goals and determining how we want to leverage AI in our operations and curriculum. While administrative functions and content development might be obvious use cases, we also need to consider more complex applications and potential issues like copyright infringement. And we must not forget the role of AI in supporting our students’ learning.
The field of AI and generative AI is evolving rapidly, and while there is a lot happening in this space, we must ensure that our learners are actually learning. But before we can implement any policies or governance around AI, we must engage in extensive conversations about data sources, privacy and disclosure requirements. We can’t solve everything at once but we can start by identifying the initial use cases we want to pursue and establish clear standards around those.
Q: What advice would you give learners interested in pursuing a career in technology, particularly those who may be starting out?
A: If you’re thinking about a career in technology — go for it! There are so many different paths to take in this field beyond just software engineering and coding. My advice to you is to explore your options and find a career path that inspires and challenges you.
It’s important to remember that no matter your background or experience, you can transition into tech. All perspectives are welcomed and valued because diversity leads to the best products and outcomes. So don’t let anything hold you back from starting or transitioning into tech — we welcome everybody!
Join us in welcoming Kimberly Clark to Enterprise Technology and to ASU.
Written by Kevin Pirehpour