A strategic information technology (IT) leader, Kaugars brings 30 years of experience working in several IT leadership roles. He comes to UofL from the University of Rhode Island, where he has served as chief information officer and senior advisor to the vice president for administration and finance. Kaugars’ professional experience also includes work in IT leadership roles at several institutions of higher education.

At UofL, Kaugars will oversee Information Technology Services (ITS) and work with executive and senior leadership teams as well as ITS governance committees to set the unit’s strategic vision, establish and maintain policies and provide IT services across the university.

“Technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and one of our key tasks in the coming months will be to develop a strategy and approach to keep the university at the forefront of IT nationally,” said Kaugars. “I am excited to engage with academic and administrative units across the university to learn about key technology needs and how we in IT can best support the university’s strategic initiatives.”

Brad Andersen who has served as interim CIO since the fall of 2022 will begin transition planning with Kaugars to prepare for this April 1 start date, at which time Andersen will return to his role on the ITS leadership team as director of enterprise systems.

“I am thrilled to be joining the UofL community,” said Kaugars. “As a top-tier research institution with a focus on empowering social mobility, coupled with a high-performing IT function, few other institutions are better positioned to take advantage of IT to accelerate progress in our strategic goals. During my campus visit, I was impressed by the culture of UofL – purposeful and driven, yet doing so within a culture of collegiality, collaboration and kindness. It is truly a unique opportunity, and I look forward to working with everyone here for many years to come.”

Khan comes to UofL from Massachusetts, where he worked as a technology adviser with a specialty in higher education for a large technology firm. He has 27 years of experience working in higher education, having held information technology positions at Northeastern University, West Virginia University, University of Georgia and at the medical campuses at Emory University and Dartmouth College.

Khan’s appointment is effective Feb. 15, contingent upon approval by the UofL Board of Trustees.

Khan said he is excited and honored to join UofL.

“Technology plays a key role in pedagogy, research, health care and service,” he said. “I look forward to developing strategies that improve and enhance our services in academics and research. I am ready to work with faculty, students, staff and university leadership to further our mission and strengthen the university reputation and impact in the state, region and nation.”

Khan has a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from Rivier University.

“His experience in academic IT is extensive,” said UofL Provost Beth Boehm, “and he brings particular strengths in strategic and practical planning, shared governance and IT, service delivery and the implementation of business intelligence and analytics programs.”