About CIT

The Center for Information Technology (CIT) is the technology department of Oberlin College & Conservatory. CIT is made up of dedicated professionals ensuring that technology supports the College in meaningful ways, whether in classrooms, research labs, administrative offices, or residence halls.

CIT’s mission extends beyond maintaining systems. At its core is a commitment to helping every member of the Oberlin community use technology to learn, teach, research, connect, and succeed. Through six core units, the department delivers secure, reliable, and innovative services that enable both day-to-day operations and long-term innovation.

The department is guided by the Chief Information Officer (CIO), who provides strategic vision and ensures that technology investments advance Oberlin’s mission. As an advisor to the President and Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the CIO integrates technology into strategic decision-making and leverages its transformational power to advance the College’s mission of teaching, learning, research, and operations with excellence.

Services

• Enterprise Infrastructure – Maintains networks, servers, and systems to keep the campus connected, stable, and secure.

• Academic Technology – Enhances classrooms, labs, and online learning to make teaching and learning more engaging.

• Enterprise Applications – Manages core systems, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), CRMs, SIS, and others to streamline processes, and supports institutional operations.

• Information Security – Protects Oberlin’s data, systems, and community through strong safeguards and privacy practices.

• IT Project Management – Oversees major technology initiatives, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in alignment with Oberlin's priorities.

• IT Support – Provides day-to-day assistance for faculty, staff, and students, from troubleshooting to device setup. 

Our Team

Marcel Mutsindashyaka is the Chief Information Officer. He advises the President, senior leadership, and the Board of Trustees on all matters related to technology, digital transformation, cybersecurity, risk management, and AI strategy. He leads the Center for Information Technology (CIT), which encompasses Enterprise Applications, Enterprise Infrastructure, Information Security, Academic Technology, IT Support, and IT Project Management.

Marcel introduced the guiding principle “CIT, Your Technology Partner” to define a culture of collaboration, trust, and innovation across the campus. Under his leadership, Oberlin is advancing major strategic initiatives, including the multi-year ERP Transformation (from Banner to Workday) and the Year of AI Exploration, positioning the institution as a leader in responsible and creative uses of artificial intelligence.

A recognized cybersecurity and technology executive, Marcel is known for his people-first leadership, strategic vision, and ability to unite diverse teams around innovation, operational excellence, and the future of digital learning. Learn more at marcelshyaka.com.

Chris Drennen
Director,
Academic Technology

Heather Spellman
Director,
IT Project Management

Allison Walker
Director,
Information Security

Antwain Tyus
Director,
IT Support

Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97 (for Mutsindashyaka, Drennen, Walker, and Tyus)

Meet the CIT Team & Access Contacts

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