Chris Butler is the new director of communications for Information Technology Services at the University of Arkansas.

Butler started in February and has already been involved with several major projects, including the rollout of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure in Tech Spot labs across campus over spring break. His main role is supporting the communications team in finding exciting new angles to promote technology innovations to the campus community.

"From the first interaction with Chris it became instantly clear that his expertise, personality and dedication to the student experience made him the perfect match for communicating technology excellence for us on our campus," Paige Francis, associate CIO, said. "We have already been wowed by Chris's ability to share our message and are thrilled to have him on our team!"

For Butler, the job is all about supporting student success, embracing modern changes in technology and bringing the community along in those advancements. "Our goal is to change how we communicate to students and adapt to the way they want to consume information," he said.

Much of Butler's responsibility is to support the chancellor's Eight Guiding Priorities, which include advancing student success, building a collaborative and innovative campus, and promoting innovation in teaching and learning. "All of these things tie into what technology does naturally," he said.

Another one of Butler's goals is to buy new media production equipment such as video cameras and tripods, which he believes will help communications between the department and the campus be more interesting and relatable.

Originally from Athens, Georgia, Butler earned his bachelor's degree in tourism management and his master's degree in information technology management from Georgia Southern University, where he also worked first as the assistant director of marketing for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. During his time there, he achieved a handful of creative excellence awards for integrated marketing campaigns through the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association.

Before coming to the U of A, Butler worked as the digital marketing manager for Pet Alliance, a non-profit organization in Orlando, Florida, where he raised money to support shelters across the country. 

Outside of work, Butler enjoys cooking unique recipes with his wife, running, video editing and reading. He considers himself a history buff, particularly of United States history, and is currently reading his way through the biographies of all 45 U.S. presidents. 

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