Technology may not be a CHASS major, but Information Technology, or “IT,” is crucial to both our college and campus.

In May, CHASS Chief Technology Officer James Lin completed a four-month University of California Information Technology Leadership Academy at the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. 

Launched in 2015 by UC Chief Information Officer Tom Andriola, in partnership with the UC IT Leadership Council and the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, the UC IT Academy aims to develop the skills, knowledge, and communication of its 8,000 professionals in the UC IT community. The goal of the Academy is to train IT officials in collaboration, innovation, change management, and other effective and relevant leadership skills.

The annual program consists of two 3-day on-campus sessions, called modules. This year’s program took place February 4-6 and May 13-15. The eight weeks between modules required various group projects, meant to build networks and prepare emerging IT leaders from across the UC system to become stronger, more effective leaders and agents of change. 

Lin was nominated by Associate Vice Chancellor and CIO Danna Gianforte, and supported by Lin’s supervisor Assistant Dean and CFAO Cindy Williams to be one of two UCR representatives alongside Dan Szilagyi, University Library Manager of Cyberinfrastructure. Nominating criteria for UC employees required a strong performance record, potential to grow into senior-level leadership roles, a desire to drive change and make an active contribution to the UC, and the ability to work well with diverse groups of people. 

At the leadership academy, Lin took a variety of classes, including workshops about workforce development, thinking strategically, teamwork and collaboration, negotiation, and conflict resolution and time management. 

“Learning from world-class faculty from Berkeley HAAS Business School and networking with cohort members was such a wonderful experience,” Lin said. “It opened my eyes to business, innovation, communication, collaboration, leadership and change management. I have grown to be an effective and relevant leader, effectively coordinating and facilitating collaborations across boundaries, thinking strategically and innovatively, and managing change efficiently.”

After completing all of his training, Lin received a certificate of completion signed by UC President Janet Napolitano, and Vice President and Chief Information Officer Tom Andriola.

“I believe I can help CHASS bend the curve through innovation and change, and help create value for CHASS’s mission and goals,” Lin said.

FEATURED PHOTO. James Lin (front row, third from left) and Dan Szilagyi (front row, third from right)