Michael Leary Named Interim Chief Information Officer for Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University has named Michael Leary as Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective Feb. 14. In this role, Leary will lead the university’s central IT organization, Technology Services, and provide strategic oversight for enterprise technology initiatives that support teaching, research and service across campus.

Leary most recently served as Texas A&M’s chief technology officer (CTO), where he was instrumental in shaping the university’s technology strategy and driving innovation across the platforms that power services for faculty, staff, students, visitors and Texas A&M University System partners. His leadership has included major service migrations, implementation of enterprise technologies and advancement of key institutional initiatives.

"Michael brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of Texas A&M’s technology landscape," said Peter Lange, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President for Texas A&M University. "His leadership, insight, and dedication to innovation make him the ideal choice to guide Technology Services during this interim period. I am confident that under his direction, our teams will continue delivering excellent service to the university community."

Leary has also focused on strengthening productivity platforms, expanding cloud and infrastructure engineering capabilities, and leading the delivery of artificial intelligence services and strategy for the university community. His work has helped modernize core systems while enhancing the reliability, security and scalability of Texas A&M’s technology environment.

“Texas A&M’s technology ecosystem plays a critical role in enabling student success, advancing research and supporting operational excellence,” Leary said. “I’m honored to serve in this role and to work alongside the talented Technology Services team and our campus partners to continue delivering secure, reliable and forward-looking IT services.”

Leary brings nearly three decades of experience at Texas A&M. Prior to serving as CTO, he was chief information officer for the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES), where he led IT teams supporting more than 27 research centers and institutes, 15 academic departments and one of the university’s largest colleges. His career began in the Open Access Labs, where he built his foundation in customer-focused IT service and gained firsthand experience supporting the university community.

Beyond his formal leadership roles, Leary has served on various university and Texas A&M System committees, contributing to cross-institutional collaboration and long-term technology planning.

As Interim CIO, Leary will oversee enterprise applications, network and infrastructure services, cybersecurity, classroom technology, data services and emerging technologies. He will guide the senior leadership team in advancing strategic priorities while ensuring continuity of day-to-day IT operations.

A formal search for the permanent CIO will launch in the coming months, with additional details to be shared as the process begins.