Episode #288: A CIO’s Guide to Surviving (and Thriving) in EdTech

5 snips

Jul 16, 2025

Derek Bierman, Chief Information Officer at Doane University, is a strategic tech leader dedicated to enhancing student success and institutional efficiency. In this engaging discussion, he shares insights on the complexities of digital transformation in higher education. He dives into the balance of innovation and budget constraints amidst rising cybersecurity threats. Derek also emphasizes the need for adaptability in educational strategies, showcasing how flexibility can help institutions thrive in an ever-changing tech landscape.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

AI's Central Role in EdTech

AI is currently the biggest question mark affecting digital transformation in higher education.
Its impact spans student experience, cloud costs, cybersecurity, and technology integration challenges.

ADVICE

Invest in Integration and Partnerships

Focus strongly on affordable, effective technology integration as institutions buy rather than build tech.
Consider forming consortia to share technology costs and innovations collaboratively.

ADVICE

Prioritize and Adapt Strategies

Prioritize technology initiatives to avoid juggling too many projects simultaneously.
Regularly reassess strategic priorities to stay adaptable to changing needs and challenges.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

In this final episode recorded live from Transact 360, Dustin chats with Derek Bierman, CIO at Doane University, for a candid, future-focused, and wide-ranging conversation about what it really takes to lead digital transformation on campus. From AI overload to cloud sticker shock to the very real challenge of prioritizing hundreds of tech contracts, Derek offers a rare look behind the scenes of modern campus IT leadership.

This is the episode for anyone who’s ever tried to balance innovation with budget constraints—or wondered how CIOs are juggling AI, cybersecurity, and the relentless pressure to do more with less.

Guest Name: Derek Bierman, Chief Information Officer at Doane University

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Derek Bierman is a strategic technology leader and Chief Information Officer at Doane University, where he drives digital transformation to enhance student success, service excellence, and institutional efficiency. With a passion for innovation in higher education, he has led key initiatives, including an award-winning service center, a multi-institutional shared services consortium, and a Salesforce-powered student success platform recognized as a model for higher education. Under his leadership, Doane has modernized operations through enterprise service management, cloud transformation, and cybersecurity advancements, ensuring a future-ready institution. A frequent speaker on innovation, analytics, and digital transformation, Derek is particularly curious about the evolving role of AI in higher education and its potential to revolutionize learning, operations, and student success. He remains dedicated to bridging technology and strategy to create lasting impact in the field.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.