The Gazette

Issue date: 11/8/06 Section: News

Media Credit: DeShawn Saffold Preston Williams, LU's new CIO

Several new administrators have joined Langston University this year, including Preston Williams, who was hired as the school's first chief information officer (CIO).

Dr. JoAnn Haysbert created the position as part of her vision to move Langston from excellence to greatness, which includes improving the technology on the university's three campuses. The CIO's primary responsibility is to ensure that all of the information technology systems are working adequately within the university, which includes making sure the university utilizes the best and most effective equipment.

"At the end of the day, the position requires a commitment to deliver all IT services for all of our campus," Williams said.

Williams has more than 20 years of experience working in multiple fields, including financial and accounting systems, and information technology. He founded his own company, General Business Consultants, Inc., in 2002, which is an IT consulting firm. It offers IT consulting, engineering services, and social services to businesses. The company has offices in Kenya, Liberia, Uganda, and the United States.

Before starting his own company, he worked as a project executive for IBM Global Services. In this position, he managed global projects for Applied Materials, which is the third largest warfare manufacturer in the world. While managing this project he oversaw the placement of new technology systems in various locations, including the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and South America. While working on a project for Applied Materials he was able to assist The United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The project he worked on for UNCF helped provide new hardware, software, and technology services to the organization's 39 institutions. In addition, he has served as a consultant for Anderson Consulting and Price Waterhouse.

Williams feels that his educational background has also helped prepare him for his new position. He has a bachelor of science degree in economics from Cuttington University College in Suakoko, Liberia; and a master of science in regional planning from the University of Liberia in Monrovia, Liberia. He also received a certified public accountant certification from the Liberian Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Monrovia, Liberia, and a certified implementation specialist certification from Great Plains University in Fargo, ND.

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