After one of the most difficult decisions my family and I can remember, given my
deep affection and loyalty to the Institute and my daily enjoyment of colleagues
and work here, I write to let you know that this will be my last academic
year as
Director of Academic Computing at MIT. Beginning July 1, 1996, and subject to
negotiation of some final details, I will become Associate Provost for
Information Technology at the University of Chicago.
Except for its placement on the academic hierarchy, reporting directly to the
Provost, my new job is almost exactly comparable to Jim Bruce's here at
MIT, both
as to what it governs and what it is expected to influence less directly.
It will
require me to work closely with the Comptroller, with the Director of Libraries,
and with the Deans and Division Heads who oversee major decentralized
academic-computing facilities. The University of Chicago operates a large
hospital and medical school, and oversees two Federal research laboratories,
which are only some of the daunting new challenges I will face there.
I will spend some time consulting for the University of Chicago before my formal
move in July. Between now and July, I expect to work hard with everyone here at
MIT developing and implementing a transition plan for academic computing and
other activities in which I am heavily involved. That plan will determine how
long I remain a member of the IT Leadership Team, and how the Academic Practice
will be managed until transition is complete. I also expect to spend a good deal
of time on specific projects which I can help bring to fruition before leaving.
The University of Chicago has been very persuasive ever since its headhunter
first called me, and I think the University's offer is an opportunity that I
simply cannot let pass. Nothing about the new opportunity lessens what I
feel for
MIT, for Information Systems, for Academic Computing Services, and for all
others
with whom I've had the honor to work here. And I remain convinced that the
radical transformation of IT at MIT is sound and exciting, if slower than all of
us might like. I will very much miss being here to enjoy its success.
I look forward to the few months I still have at MIT, and to colleagueship
across
the miles for many years to come.
gj MIT e40-359a 617 253 3712 (voice)
1 Amherst St 617 258 8736 (fax)
Cambridge MA 02139 http://web.mit.edu/gjackson/www/