Email: coleallen@floridapoly.edu
Phone: +1 (863) 874-8743
Location: Main Campus
Office: IST-2039
Department: Office of Information Technology Services
Dr. 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, cybersecurity, and digital strategy in support of Florida Poly’s mission as the state’s only all-STEM public university.
Since joining Florida Poly, Dr. Allen has led major institutional initiatives, including the University’s migration to Banner SaaS, the development of PhoenixAI, a comprehensive AI ecosystem designed to support faculty, staff, and student success, and the modernization of network and security operations. He also leads the University’s PSAIL initiative, helping advance applied innovation, research, and industry partnership strategy. In addition, he provides executive oversight for campus public safety, including administrative oversight of the University Police Department, while also leading efforts in data governance, digital student services, and cybersecurity. Through this work, he has helped strengthen the University’s capabilities in public safety, research computing, and secure data environments.
Before joining Florida Poly, Dr. Allen served as Chief Information Officer at Northwest Florida State College, where he led campuswide digital transformation initiatives. 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 include the Blackboard Catalyst Award for Optimizing the Student Experience and multiple Technology Innovation Awards from the Missouri Community College Association. Dr. Allen contributes to the broader higher education IT community through conference presentations and leadership in AI governance, digital transformation, and strategic technology planning.
This session will demonstrate that practical risk management is for everyone, regardless of a formal program. Attendees will learn actionable and simple strategies that are easy to implement, enabling them to start immediately by focusing on their top risks to build greater operational resilience and ensure the sustained success of their auxiliary enterprises.
Michelle Powell serves as the pioneering Risk Manager at Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s sole 100% STEM-dedicated institution. Having been with the university for nearly 11 years, Michelle transitioned from a leadership role in Admissions in October 2023 to establish and evolve the risk management function from the ground up. In this solo capacity, Michelle builds robust frameworks for our dynamic, young university, overseeing our insurance portfolio, consulting on third-party and event risks, and developing critical campus-wide training programs. Michelle has obtained the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) Enterprise Risk Management certificate and the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations. Her distinct background in mathematics and engineering, combined with extensive higher education leadership, brings an analytical and strategic approach enhancing the institution’s resilience.
