Cole Allen is vice president and chief information officer at Florida Polytechnic University, where he provides strategic leadership for the University’s information technology portfolio. With more than 20 years of higher education IT leadership experience, he oversees enterprise systems, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity to advance Florida Poly’s mission as the state’s only all-STEM public University.
Since joining Florida Poly, Allen has led transformative initiatives, including the University’s migration to Banner SaaS, the development of PhoenixAI, a comprehensive AI ecosystem designed to enhance faculty, staff, and student success, and the modernization of network and security operations. He also directs initiatives in data governance, digital student services, and advanced cybersecurity that position Florida Poly with high-caliber practices in research computing, secure data environments, and identity federation.
Before joining Florida Poly, Allen served as chief information officer at Northwest Florida State College, where he guided campus-wide digital transformation efforts. He previously held IT leadership roles at Auburn University and Three Rivers College, with responsibilities spanning ERP modernization, research computing support, and enterprise infrastructure.
His professional achievements have been recognized with the Blackboard Catalyst Award for Optimizing the Student Experience and multiple Technology Innovation Awards from the Missouri Community College Association. He also is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society for business excellence. He actively contributes to the national higher education IT dialogue through conference presentations and work on AI governance and digital transformation.
Allen’s doctoral research explores how IT leaders operationalize artificial intelligence in higher education, with a focus on leadership strategies that drive adoption and innovation.
