Mike Dean Named Senior Director of IT for Research Institutes

Mike Dean, director of information technology for the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R) since 2024, has accepted the role of senior director of information technology for research institutes. Dean's new role within IT Services begins Oct. 1, and he will report to Ian Czarnezki, associate CIO for research infrastructure and technology.

"Mike has been a key technology partner in building I³R from the ground up," Czarnezki said. "He understands the unique needs of research environments, and his experience will be invaluable as we expand technology support across our institutes."

As senior director, Dean will be supporting multiple university research institutes, including:

• Arkansas Integrative Metabolic Research Center (AIMRC)
• Arkansas Materials Institute (AMI)
• Arkansas Research Institute for Electronics Systems (ARIES)
• Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I³R)

"Research excellence is one of the U of A's highest priorities and a cornerstone of our strategic plan," said Jannette Akridge, interim CIO and associate vice chancellor for strategic data and process innovation. "Mike's experience and Ian's leadership will help ensure our researchers have the technology, infrastructure and support they need to be successful."

Prior to joining the U of A, Dean held leadership roles at Burlington Northern Santa Fe Logistics LLC and Walmart Stores Inc., where he spent more than 23 years.

Dean has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Ohio State University. He is a U.S. Marine and Gulf War veteran and received several meritorious citations and letters of appreciation for his distinguished service.