October 11, 2023
Thomas Bunton named chief technology officer
Following a national search, Thomas E. Bunton has been named Kansas State University’s chief technology officer, effective Nov. 6.
As chief technology officer, Bunton will serve as the university’s senior information technology executive and lead the Division of Information Technology. He will provide oversight for information technology across all campuses and support the universitywide strategic use of information technology in support of the university’s teaching, research and service missions.
“Thomas has a wealth of experience in higher education information technology,” said Ethan Erickson, vice president for administration and finance. “The Division of Information Technology will be key in ensuring we have the right technologies and capabilities in place to move the university forward and support the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan. I look forward to Thomas’ leadership and collaboration to support academic and administrative technology needs.”
Bunton currently serves as the associate vice president and chief information officer at New Mexico State University, where he oversees and provides leadership to IT staff across four campuses, science and research centers, and extension offices. He led the systemwide effort to modernize the enterprise resource planning environment and was involved in securing funding to enhance network connectivity within university housing and agricultural science centers across New Mexico.
Previously, he served as associate vice chancellor and chief information officer at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and director of network and operations services at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He has also held various roles at Purdue University, including director of application administration, associate director of information technology for housing and food services and director of the campus IT service desk.
“I’m thrilled to join Kansas State University at such a pivotal time in its history, as it leads the nation in redefining the next-generation land grant institution," said Bunton. "The excitement around the possibilities and the impact that IT can have on furthering research, improving operations and broadening access to educational experiences is tremendous. I’ve been privileged to live in many different parts of the country, but my wife and I are very much looking forward to returning to the Midwest and calling Manhattan home."
Bunton holds a doctorate in organizational communication from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a master's degree in computer and information technology from Purdue University, and bachelor’s degrees in pre-law and psychology from Purdue University.