Iowa State has no one in charge of information technology. University officials plan to create such a position soon, but might be hindered by the tough budget.

Mark Engelbrecht, dean of the College of Design, said Iowa State has a vast array of information technology, and about 10 percent of the university budget is spent managing information.

Engelbrecht cited the Microsoft contract as an example of interdepartmental communication confusions. He said information departments ranging from administration to telecommunications “are so highly fractured that everyone starts stepping on each other’s toes.”

To enable better communication, the university plans to fill the newly created position of chief information officer.

The search to fill the position has been suspended at President Gregory Geoffrey’s request, due to budget constraints.

Alicia Carriquiry, associate provost and spokesperson for the Chief Information Officer Search Committee, said this officer will coordinate communication activities and will report to the provost and the vice president of business and finance. The officer will be responsible for making short- and long-term information technology plans, and for coordinating and managing present information issues, Engelbrecht said.

The position will enable communication between databases, automation of many information technology processes, better use of technology for teaching and up-to-date technology management, Carriquiry said.

The search committee was formed to find and interview candidates for the position. The committee, which is comprised of members from the various colleges, employees associated with information technology and two student representatives, hopes to choose five or six candidates from a pool of 50 to 60 applicants, Engelbrecht said.

The chief information officer’s salary will be between $150,000 and $200,000, Engelbrecht said.

Carriquiry said students would have a chance to give input on the search process, if the search is resumed.

It is uncertain how the university budget will accomodate this position’s salary, Carriquiry said.

Engelbrecht said the position will not be filled until at least July 1, 2003.

Committee members plan to consider appropriate applicants from all backgrounds, requiring that the individual be well-educated. Engelbrecht said they “are not looking for a technician, but for a real leader who is willing, if necessary, to create controversy.”

The committee plans to advertise for the position in the fields of higher education, government, business and industry. Candidates should be creative and visionary, with the ability to connect well with others.

“It will be very hard to find a person of the right caliber,” Carriquiry said. She said there are people with many of the necessary characteristics, but that no one has all of them.