
Bhavani Koneru has already hit the ground running as Ferris State University’s new chief technology officer. The official December 2019 university-wide announcement of Koneru’s hiring, made by Administration and Finance Vice President Jim Bachmeier’s office, set the stage for her to begin her duties in February 2020.
“In coming to Ferris, I will be exploring great opportunities,” said Koneru, who was most recently the senior director of Information Technology at Wayne State University in Detroit. “I’m particularly excited about the new strategic initiatives. Ferris Forward attracted me, big time. I am looking forward to exploring how IT can be a partner in helping Ferris to realize its strategic goals.”
In 14-plus years at Wayne State, Koneru contributed to the implementation of several major administrative systems initiatives, including the launch of a “Researcher’s dashboard” and the refinement of IT governance and operational practices. Before her tenure at WSU, Koneru was a consultant with Compuware Corporation. Her consulting expertise has spanned multiple industries, including higher education and manufacturing.
Koneru earned a Master of Business Administration and Management, from Walsh College, in Novi, Michigan; a Master of Science, in Computer Science, from Wayne State; and a Bachelor of Technology, in Electronics and Communications Engineering, from J.N.T.U College of Engineering, in India.
She is now ready to put her expertise to work in Big Rapids, leading Ferris’ IT team.
“I’m a results-driven person, and that has me excited to be here at Ferris for a great new opportunity,” Koneru said.
Ferris’ CTO responsibilities include oversight of budget management, cybersecurity services, project management, and policy and procedure development, and management. IT Services is responsible for the delivery of responsive and innovative IT solutions in support of students, faculty and staff.
To learn more about Ferris’ Information Technology Services, visit the IT website.