Computerworld has named P.B. Garrett, associate provost and chief academic technology officer at the George Washington University, as one of its Premier 100 IT Leaders. Ms. Garrett was honored with the award at Computerworld’s annual Leadership Conference on March 4. She has served the university for more than 15 years and oversees the university’s Academic Technologies (AT) department.
“I’m honored to be a part of this year’s class of Premier 100 IT leaders. Leadership development has been a central focus of my career. I continually strive for self-improvement, and also place a high level of importance on mentoring young females in the IT field,” Ms. Garrett said.
The Premier 100 IT Leadership Conference was held March 2 to 4 in Tucson, Ariz., and showcased honorees and other IT innovators. More than 350 senior IT managers attended the event.
The award recognized Ms. Garrett for her leadership in the technology community and her innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Scot Finnie, editor-in-chief of Computerworld, said, “These IT executives are driving technology innovation in business, education and government across the country and around the world.”
“This award is a testament to the great work that Academic Technologies consistently produces to contribute to GW’s reputation as a national leader in education. It is rewarding to work at a university that encourages my department to experiment with creative ways to support the growth of our university through the implementation of innovative technology,” Ms. Garrett said.
Academic Technologies provides technology support to more than 180 classrooms and computer labs and designs award-winning learning spaces, such as the School of Nursing’s Clinical Skills and Simulation Lab across three GW campuses. AT is currently executing a four-year plan to upgrade classroom technology to meet new digital standards.
Ms. Garrett is a member of GW’s Strategic Planning Committee for Online Education and is also an active member of EDUCAUSE, serving on its Advisory Committee on Teaching and Learning, the Recognition Committee and other program committees. She has contributed to a number of articles, papers and presentations in the educational technology field. In 2013, Ms. Garrett was named vice chair of the Center for Higher Education Chief Information Studies.
Ms. Garrett began her career at GW as a faculty member and chair of the Computer Management Information Systems Department. Prior to her current role, she was assistant vice president of Academic Technologies and deputy CIO.
Ms. Garrett holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida, a master’s degree from Columbia University and an education specialist degree from Nova Southeastern University.