Washington DC-Baltimore Area
Dr. John O'Brien serves as the president and CEO of EDUCAUSE, a nonprofit association whose mission is to advance higher education through technology innovation. EDUCAUSE serves over 2,300 member colleges, universities, and organizations from 45 countries. In his role as CEO, he speaks and writes on a variety of topics related to higher education, technology, and the crucial intersection where the two meet. Throughout his 30-year career in higher education, John has served in a variety of key leadership roles. Before his EDUCAUSE appointment in 2015, John served as senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the fourth largest higher education system in the United States. In this position, he was dedicated to ensuring student success and implemented strategic changes to help the 37 colleges and universities in the system adapt to the changing needs of higher education. Prior to this role, John served as president of North Hennepin Community College (NHCC), and before that was director of the "Students First" initiative, a system-wide effort that redesigned online systems to better meet students’ needs. John’s past experience also includes senior positions at Century College, as chief academic officer and subsequently acting president. John also served as associate vice chancellor for instructional technology and deputy CIO for the Minnesota State system. In addition to his experience as a higher education executive, John taught English at a wide variety of institutions. He was a faculty member at Normandale Community College, Augsburg University, the University of Minnesota, the University of St. Thomas, and Augustana University. John holds a bachelor’s degree in English and English education from Augustana University, a master’s degree in Anglo-Irish Literature from the University of Dublin (Trinity College), and a doctorate in English from the University of Minnesota.
EDUCAUSE is an international higher education technology association that advances higher education through technology innovation. The organization has an estimated 60,000 active members in over 45 countries. The EDUCAUSE annual conference is considered one of the best technology conferences in higher education. EDUCAUSE holds over 20 face-to-face events each year that reach approximately 11,500 individuals, with thousands more involved in online events. The association produces various publications for its members including the award-winning EDUCAUSE Review, with a bimonthly print circulation of 22,000 and online unique monthly views of 100,000. For more information, visit www.educause.edu. Note: in addition to publications listed below, John has given 150+ keynotes and other presentations on technology, change and change management, and other topics. A selected list is provided in the document uploaded.
Responsible for all aspects of system academic and student affairs across the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. I served in this position on an interim basis beginning June 1, 2013, and was appointed to the on-going position by the Board of Trustees on January 22, 2014.
North Hennepin serves 12,000 students with degrees and certificates in 32 fields and features significant partnerships with universities to offer four-year degree completion on the NHCC campus. As president, I was responsible for leading the institution’s faculty, staff, and students in accomplishing the college’s mission and supporting system strategic priorities. I directed all activities and functions of the college in conformity with board policies and federal and state regulations. I was responsible for managing the college’s $50M annual budget and for maintaining productive relationships with all segments of education, the community, state agencies, faculty and staff unions, and the legislature. I was appointed president by the Board of Trustees on St. Patrick's Day.
From www.kantorei.net: Kantorei is a high-quality, a cappella choral ensemble of about 40 voices based in Minnesota. The ensemble pursues the highest standard of musical expression and artistry. Since its founding in 1988 by Artistic Director Axel Theimer, Kantorei has become widely known for its stunning interpretations of European choral music. Kantorei performs the great a cappella choral treasures and also specializes in seldom-heard 19th- and 20th-century European compositions.