James Tippey Named Gardner-Webb’s Associate VP for Technology and Chief Information Officer

His Responsibilities Include Management and Security of the University’s Technological Infrastructure

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Officials at Gardner-Webb have announced that James Tippey is the University’s new associate vice president for Technology Services and Chief Information Officer (CIO). Tippy, who has over 20 years of experience in the IT (information technology) and cyber fields, will provide vision and leadership for technology services across all GWU divisions.

Tippey will report directly to Tim Shuey, vice president of Finance and Administration. “We are very excited to have Jim join our Gardner-Webb University team,” Shuey affirmed. “He brings with him the leadership and vision for our information technology transformation and journey. His technological experience, cyber security expertise, and understanding of higher education will assist Gardner-Webb in achieving our strategic goals and objectives.”

Tippey’s responsibilities include the management and security of the University’s academic, administrative and integrated technological assets and infrastructure and its services. These services include the design, development and implementation of information systems, enterprise and end-user applications, security profile and policies, and networks and systems. Essentially, he will provide strategic leadership and planning in support of the information technology needs of academics, research, and administration. He will enhance and secure the Gardner-Webb University security profile.

“I am excited and honored for the opportunity to be the CIO/associate vice president for Technology Services at Gardner-Webb University,” Tippey asserted. “I look forward to leading the Technology Services department in supporting the University’s mission through the strategic and secure use of technology.  My goal is to build on the strengths that already exist and to find new opportunities to use technology to advance the University.”

Tippey earned his doctorate in computer science with a concentration in information assurance and cybersecurity from Colorado Technical University (Colorado Springs) and his master’s in information assurance from Norwich University (Northfield, Vt). He also has a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary (Wilmore, Ky.) and a Bachelor of Arts from Greenville College (Illinois). He has earned several relevant industry certifications, which provide a broad base of information for him to draw from while leading an IT department.   

Since 2017, he has worked at Montreat (N.C.) College, serving as an assistant professor of cybersecurity, co-department chair of the Cybersecurity Department and helped develop the Carolina Cyber Center, a cybersecurity workforce development program. Previously he was IT director for the St. Louis (Mo.) Symphony and worked with Computers in Ministry, a non-profit organization providing IT support to Christian ministries. His experience also includes serving as a pastor for seven years.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.