Technologist · Education Leader · Pragmatist
Higher education technology executive at the University of Illinois Chicago. Helping higher ed navigate AI, digital transformation, and the next decade of leadership.
Credentials
Jason Maslanka serves as Assistant Vice Chancellor, Chief Technology Officer, and Deputy CIO at the University of Illinois Chicago — a Research I institution serving over 34,000 students. He leads central IT across Networks & Telecommunications, Enterprise Solutions, Software Development, Digital Accessibility, and Client Services. He is also currently responsible for AI enablement.
With 22+ years at UIC, his career spans technology leadership, digital marketing, and student affairs — including founding an internal marketing agency and serving as Executive Director of Digital in Student Affairs. That breadth gives him a rare view of how technology can serve every corner of a university.
His passion for technology traces back to an Apple IIc at age four. Today that curiosity powers infrastructure modernization, AI literacy initiatives, and cross-campus collaboration.
"Open source is the fastest path to shared progress in accessibility and AI literacy."
Practitioner-level insight for conferences, leadership retreats, and campus events — blending strategic vision with the hard-won lessons of running IT at a large public research university.
From AI literacy programs to institution-wide strategy — how universities can adopt AI responsibly and equitably, serving diverse stakeholders.
What does it actually take to modernize a large university's technology infrastructure? Change management, stakeholder alignment, and building for the next decade.
Building collaborative teams, cultivating innovation culture, and the evolving role of the CTO in academic institutions that must balance tradition with change.
Balancing openness with security in a research university — building resilient, modern infrastructure without sacrificing the academic freedom that drives discovery.
How technology design should center student experience — drawing from Jason's deep background in student affairs.
Accessibility and inclusion as architecture decisions — open, accessible technology systems that serve every student, faculty member, and staff from day one.
April 2026
My experience firing up Claude Code to create a new website, and a few lessons learned.
Jan 2025
A look at the evolving expectations placed on technology leaders in academia — and what skills and mindsets will define success in the years ahead.
Apr 2024
A candid, contrarian take on the flood of AI commentary in higher ed — and what institutions actually need to do rather than just discuss.
How technology and design can be harnessed to create meaningful, memorable experiences that support student success beyond the classroom.
Internet2 Community Exchange
Video from UIC's main stage presentation at the Internet2 Community Exchange on building secure research environments.
EDUCAUSE Shop Talk
A deep dive into how IT leaders are rethinking strategic planning in higher education — balancing long-term vision with the pace of technological change.
Whether you need a speaker for your next conference, a thought partner on a strategic initiative, a peer for a program review, or just a colleague interested in talking and sharing — Jason would love to hear from you.