Dr. Sasi Pillay, vice president of Information Technology Services and chief information officer for Washington State University, has been named vice president for information technology at the University of Nevada, Reno. Pillay begins his term on Feb. 1, 2023.

Pillay is an experienced senior leader for information technology services serving for over 26 years in various positions across academia and government agencies. He excels in building high-performance organizations inclusive of diversity and in developing information technology-based strategies to provide end-user-focused products, solutions and services that advance organizational mission objectives, reduce institutional risks and provide cost-effective IT services and products securely.

“As a Carnegie R1 ‘Very High Research’ institution, the research technology needs of our campus are complex and Dr. Pillay will help us meet those needs and prepare for a continued bright and innovative future,” University President Brian Sandoval said. “Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his exceptional capabilities not the least of which include being inducted into the CIO Hall of Fame and earning the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal and being recognized as a meritorious executive in the Federal government.”

Prior to his current position at Washington State University, Pillay served as the chief information officer for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) John H. Glenn Research Center and then as the chief technology officer for NASA.

Dr. Pillay earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, and his master’s and doctoral degrees in Computer Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. He has also earned an additional master’s degree in Management of Technology from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.