Biography

Robert 'Bob' Jones currently holds the position of Assistant Vice President of Emerging Technology and Support Services in the Information and Technology Services (ITS) department at the University of Michigan (U-M). For over twenty-four years, Bob has demonstrated unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, prioritizing service excellence, and guiding forward-thinking IT strategies. At present, he leads the development of an innovative ITS-AI service platform and manages an ITS division dedicated to providing comprehensive support and services to the entire U-M community. His leadership spans a range of product areas, including Microsoft, Google, enterprise desktop services, campus computing sites, and U-M accessibility services. His deep commitment to the university and intricate understanding of its specific needs are evident. This close relationship, augmented by Bob's technical acumen and strategic direction, plays a crucial role in advancing IT services at U-M

Robert has led several strategic initiatives, including re-envisioning the University of Michigan’s centralized desktop service to reduce significant structural debt, while raising service levels. The desktop service provides support to all administrative units and 12 of 19 schools and colleges at the University of Michigan. Robert has also led a re-architecture and deployment of the University’s central print solution which services over 50,000 faculty, students, and staff. Robert has led a very successful workforce cross-training program who’s aim was to build skills in his workforce, and create cultural bridges amongst teams. Robert has also led an innovative “Bring Your Own” initiative where the focus is to reduce barriers between people and technology.