Should I Stay or Should I Go? Career Transitions in Higher Ed IT

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 1:00PM–1:45PM CT | Meeting Room 104 AB, Level 1
Session Type: Breakout Session
Delivery Format: Presentation/Panel Session
According to the EDUCAUSE 2024 IT Leadership Survey, over half of IT leaders have been in their current positions for four years or less, and many are considering new opportunities in the near future. Amidst the growing external challenges, many IT leaders are faced with a question that’s often more personal than professional: How do you know when it’s time to move on? Whether it’s retiring, moving to a new role, escaping a toxic environment, or managing family obligations, knowing when to step away or pivot can be a tough decision. So how do you move toward your next chapter? Join this engaging panel discussion where IT leaders share personal stories about when they knew it was time to make a change and which factors influenced their decisions. From career advancement to self-care, this session will explore real-world experiences and offer practical advice for those wondering how to make the next move in (or out of) their IT leadership journey.

Presenters

  • Cynthia Golden

    Executive Strategic Consultant, Vantage Technology Consulting Group

  • Meena Lakhavani

    Chief Information Officer; Kennedy School, Harvard University

  • Keith McIntosh

    Vice President & Chief Information Officer, University of Richmond

  • Sharon Pitt

    Vice President of Information Technology and CIO, Virginia Tech

  • Jennifer Sparrow

    AVP, Research and Instructional Technology, New York University