Hyderabadi woman is CIO of top US varsity

Washington: Indian American Viji Murali, an IT veteran in higher education, has been named Chief Information Officer and Vice-Provost of Information and Educational Technology at a prestigious American university. "University of California Davis is incredibly fortunate to recruit someone with Viji's experience and expertise. She is a leader in her field, and her efforts will be essential in realising our vision of excellence," said Chancellor, Linda P B Katehi.

Murali comes to Davis from Washington State University, where, since 2007, she has served as vice-president for Information Services, and the CIO for the WSU system. She succeeds Pete Siegel, who left Davis a year ago. Prof. Prasant Mohapatra had served as interim vice-provost and CIO in the meantime. Murali who would start her new job on August 18 said "I am excited to be joining a university with such a wonderful reputation, to lead the IT enterprise that contributes to the university's excellence, in everything from student success to research.” “I intend to develop a shared vision with the faculty, staff and students, and we will move the institution to even greater heights,” Murali said in a statement.

Murali received a bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry from the Women's College at Osmania University, India in 1975, and a master's in organic chemistry from Osmania's College of Science in 1977. She then joined the Regional Research Laboratory (RRL), affiliated with Osmania, and worked there toward a doctoral degree
in organic chemistry until 1981.