University of Arizona names dark-matter physicist to interim CIO role
University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella on Friday announced that Elliott Cheu, the school’s associate vice president for research centers and institutes, will soon serve as its new interim chief information officer.
Cheu, a university distinguished professor of physics, splits his time between the university and the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland, where he studies dark matter. At the University of Arizona, he’s held numerous administrative roles, including serving as the interim senior vice president of research and innovation from August 2023 to November 2024.
His appointment follows the announcement last month of CIO Barry Brummund’s retirement, which is set for Jan. 17.
“As a University Distinguished Professor of Physics, Dr. Cheu is an accomplished scientist and educator, in addition to his well-earned reputation as an exemplary administrative leader,” Garimella said in a press release. “Dr. Cheu’s knowledge of our university research community, his dedication to student success and his demonstrated capacity to identify and address issues and challenges make him the ideal person to lead UITS during this important transition.”
As interim CIO, Cheu’s tasked with leading the university’s technology initiatives while the university searches for a permanent replacement. According to the release, the university’s technology priorities include advancing high-performance computing, modernizing financial and HR systems, and addressing remaining centralization and coordination needs.
