Jeff Rubin
Chancellor Kent Syverud today announced that Jeff Rubin, an innovative leader, accomplished entrepreneur and longtime member of the Orange community, has been named the University’s inaugural senior vice president for digital transformation and chief digital officer. Rubin, who first arrived on the Syracuse campus as an undergraduate in the 1990s and has been a member of the School of Information Studies faculty since 1996, will lead Syracuse University’s digital transformation efforts. Reporting to the Chancellor as a member of the executive team, his appointment was approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees and begins on April 1.
Rubin has served as special advisor to the Chancellor on digital transformation since July 2021, overseeing many consequential projects, including the installation of the distributed antenna system (DAS) system, bringing high-speed connectivity to the JMA Wireless Dome. Rubin’s portfolio as chief digital officer will include building a Universitywide artificial intelligence strategy, overseeing data management and security, and leading the information technology team, among other key priorities.
“As an entrepreneur and educator, Syracuse University has given me so much over the years and it is my honor to serve and support a place that not only transformed my life but the lives of generations of students,” says Rubin. “The digital needs of our students, faculty and staff have changed at lightning speed in recent years. Given the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and the breakneck speed of technological transformation, it is imperative for the University to provide a best-in-class digital and technological experience to our campus community at this critical juncture. The work we do in this space today will have a lasting impact on our students of tomorrow.”
“Jeff has dedicated much of his life to serving Syracuse University in a variety of important and impactful ways,” says Chancellor Syverud. “His entrepreneurial approach to transforming the digital experience, his ability to build high performing teams, and his track record setting and executing innovative strategies will allow him to excel in this new role. Jeff has an extraordinary history of success, and I am confident that under his leadership, Syracuse University will be on course to be a digital and technology leader.”
Rubin is the founder and was president of SIDEARM Sports, a Syracuse-based company he launched in 2001 that rose to prominence as the nation’s leading digital provider for college athletics. In 2014, SIDEARM was acquired by Learfield, the multimedia rights holder for over 200 of the top collegiate athletic programs in the United States. Rubin remained president of SIDEARM Sports and in 2022 was named executive vice president of digital for LEARFIELD. In 2023, Rubin was honored with the Keith Jackson Eternal Flame Award for his lasting contributions to intercollegiate athletics. Rubin also continues to teach in the iSchool, and has been recognized for his teaching and mentorship, including receiving the school’s Jeffrey Katzer Professor of the Year Award in 2001, 2016 and 2022.
As Rubin transitions to this new role, he will advance the University’s strategic priorities related to its ambitious digital transformation plan. This includes identifying talent with expertise in strategic areas including data management and security and artificial intelligence. Rubin will work closely with Eric Sedore, who since 2022 has served as interim vice president for technology and CIO. Sedore will assume the role of associate vice president for information technology and chief technology officer.
“Eric has done outstanding work while serving in the interim CIO role and has established himself as strong, reliable and talented technology leader,” says Rubin. “I am looking forward to working with him as the University seeks to redefine and transform our digital and technological capabilities.”
Rubin’s service at Syracuse University is extensive and spans more than three decades. In addition to his role as special advisor and teaching duties, he serves as a member on the School of Information Studies Board of Advisors and the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics Advisory Board. Rubin earned a bachelor’s degree in information management and technology in 1995 and a master’s degree in telecommunications and network management, both from the iSchool.
