Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute today announced the appointment of Andrea S. Ballinger as Chief Information Officer, effective February 1, 2026. The appointment follows a comprehensive national search and signals a pivotal milestone in RPI Forward, the university's strategic plan.  

Ballinger will oversee all aspects of enterprise technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise computing, and digital innovation initiatives. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Andrea to RPI," said Mark C. Hampton, Ph.D., RPI’s Chief Administrative Officer. "She will play a central role in advancing RPI’s strategic focus on agentic AI — autonomous systems that can act independently to achieve complex goals — and other emerging technologies.” 

Ballinger brings more than 25 years of experience in banking and higher education. Currently as Vice Provost and Chief Information Officer at Oregon State University, she has modernized operations, strengthened the research computing infrastructure, and advanced equity and efficiency. 

"I am honored to join RPI," said Ballinger. "I look forward to working with the RPI community to advance its digital transformation and ensure technology serves as a powerful enabler of human potential."

A sought-after thought leader, Ballinger is recipient of the OSU Beaver of the Year Award, the Info-Tech CIO Award, and the SIM CIO of the Year Award. Andrea earned an MBA and an undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 

About RPI

Founded in 1824 for the application of science to the common purposes of life, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. Today, it is recognized as a premier university, noted for its robust and holistic learning community that connects creativity with science and technology. RPI is dedicated to inventing for the future, from shaping the scientists, engineers, technologists, architects, financiers, managers, and entrepreneurs who will define what’s next for humanity, to research that bridges disciplines to solve the world's toughest problems. Learn more at rpi.edu.