UMassOnline Lures New CTO from SUNY

The CIO of SUNY's College of Technology in Dehli, NY is moving to UMassOnline, the online learning consortium of the University of Massachusetts, as CTO. Patrick Masson has been selected to be the organization's new chief technology officer after six years with the State University of New York, where he oversaw work on a broad set of enterprise IT initiatives, including the SUNY system's e-learning platform. Prior to SUNY Masson spent 11 years with the University of California, Los Angeles.

In this new role, Masson will report to UMassOnline CEO Ken Udas. He moves into the position left vacant when former CTO Brian Douglas became associate vice president for budget and administration for the University of Massachusetts.

"In selecting Patrick, with whom I worked previously while at SUNY, we have added an exceptionally skilled and experienced individual who will help UMassOnline create the future, articulate our compelling vision, and attract an extended network of equally forward thinking colleagues, peers, and resources to make it happen," said Udas. "He, like all of us on the team, believes we can build on our commitment to learner and faculty success through the use of a variety of technologies that serve as catalysts that enhance access and improve learning experiences and outcomes."

UMassOnline provides 1,500 online courses for 93 undergraduate and graduate degree, certificate, and professional development programs, severing about 40,000 students worldwide.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • glowing blue nodes connected by thin lines in an abstract network on a dark gray to black gradient background

    Report: Generative AI Taking Over SD-WAN Management

    In a few years, nearly three quarters of network operators will use generative AI for SD-WAN management, according to a new report from research firm Gartner.

  • abstract pattern with interconnected blue nodes and lines forming neural network shapes, overlaid with semi-transparent bars and circular data points

    Data, AI Lead Educause Top 10 List for 2025

    Educause recently released its annual Top 10 list of the most important technology issues facing colleges and universities in the coming year, with a familiar trio leading the bunch: data, analytics, and AI. But the report presents these critical technologies through a new lens: restoring trust in higher education.

  • abstract image representing AI tools for reading and writing

    McGraw Hill Introduces 2 Gen AI Learning Tools

    Global education company McGraw Hill has added two new generative AI tools to help personalize learning experiences for both K–12 and higher ed students, according to a news release.

  • abstract image of fragmented, floating geometric shapes with holographic lock icons and encrypted code, set against a dark, glitchy background with intersecting circuits and swirling light trails

    Education Sector a Top Target for Mobile Malware Attacks

    Mobile and IoT/OT cyber threats continue to grow in number and complexity, becoming more targeted and sophisticated, according to a new report from Zscaler.