Savannah State Names New Chief Information Officer
Vendors serving the university's IT function should expect new priorities as Arthur Williamson takes over campus technology strategy.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in People
Savannah State University has named Arthur Williamson its chief information officer, a role that will lead the university's information technology strategy and operations. The appointment was announced November 2, 2026, and Williamson joins after more than a decade at Florence-Darlington Technical College.
Why it matters
A university CIO sets the direction for campus technology spending, cybersecurity and digital services, which shape how students, staff and vendors interact with the institution. The university said the hire is aimed at strengthening its technology infrastructure and improving digital services.
Williamson brings more than a decade of tenure at Florence-Darlington Technical College, where he most recently served as director of information technology. The appointment covers the university's full IT strategy and operations function.
The players
Savannah State University
A public university in Savannah, Georgia, serving as the employer and the body setting the new CIO's mandate.
Arthur Williamson
Newly named chief information officer, previously director of information technology at Florence-Darlington Technical College.
Florence-Darlington Technical College
A public two-year college in Florence, South Carolina, where Williamson spent more than a decade before this appointment.
The details
Williamson's background spans IT operations, cybersecurity and technology infrastructure, the three areas the university is counting on him to run. He holds a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering from Clemson University and a Master of Science in computer science from Ball State University. He also served on the South Carolina Technical College System's Critical Infrastructure Advisory Group, a credential that speaks to infrastructure-level planning experience.
Timeline
Savannah State announced Williamson's appointment on November 2, 2026.
Market Landscape
Higher education institutions increasingly hire CIOs with infrastructure and cybersecurity backgrounds to manage campus networks and digital services. Williamson's move from a technical college to a four-year university fits that pattern of experienced IT leaders carrying operational expertise into larger institutional roles.
Savannah businesses that sell software, networking, or cybersecurity services to universities should expect the campus IT function to be under new leadership and possibly reviewing its vendor relationships. Vendors and partners serving Savannah State should watch for changes in procurement priorities as the new CIO sets direction.
The takeaway
Vendors selling to higher education in the Savannah area should track how the new CIO reshapes IT procurement over the coming budget cycle. Map your current contracts against the stated priorities of infrastructure strengthening and digital service improvement so you are ready to respond when those requirements are defined.
Further reading
For more on leadership moves shaping local institutions, explore People coverage in Savannah.
