Meet the New VP of Information Technology

Alum Bill Guerrero returns to Sacred Heart in leadership position

Key Highlights

• William “Bill” C. Guerrero, MBA ’97, has been named vice president of information technology, bringing his career full circle back to Sacred Heart
• Guerrero has held executive IT leadership roles at multiple higher education institutions, including UConn, Ithaca College, Springfield College and Purchase College (SUNY) and previously worked at Gartner and IBM
• As VP of IT, Guerrero will ensure technology supports Sacred Heart’s academic, research and administrative priorities while improving user experience, efficiency and long-term sustainability

Sacred Heart University has hired William “Bill” C. Guerrero as vice president of information technology (IT). Guerrero, who earned his MBA in finance from Sacred Heart in 1997, began his new position at the start of the year.

In this role, Guerrero will provide strategic leadership for the University’s IT infrastructure, systems and services. He will ensure that technology initiatives support Sacred Heart’s academic, research and administrative priorities while advancing digital transformation, improving user experiences and strengthening operational efficiency.

Guerrero previously served in executive roles at numerous higher education institutions, including the University of Connecticut, University of Bridgeport, Springfield College, Ithaca College, Albertus Magnus College and Purchase College, SUNY. Prior to his higher education experience, he worked at Gartner and IBM. He has served as executive sponsor for major technology initiatives across his career, including enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management implementations, cybersecurity enhancements and modernization of campus IT infrastructure.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Connecticut, a professional certificate in mergers and acquisitions from Columbia University, a professional certificate in behavioral finance from the University of Chicago and a professional certificate in disruption strategy from Harvard Business School, among other academic credentials. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Eastern Association of College and University Business Officers and Swipe Out Hunger, the leading organization combatting higher education food insecurity.

“Bill Guerrero brings a rare combination of deep higher education experience, leadership, strategic vision and technological expertise that will be instrumental in advancing Sacred Heart University’s mission and digital future,” said Michael Iannazzi, senior vice president for administration at Sacred Heart.

In a question-and-answer interview, Guerrero discussed returning to Sacred Heart University.

As a Sacred Heart alum, how does it feel to return to the University in this leadership role?

I am invigorated. It is an honor and privilege to join SHU at such a pivotable time in higher education. Getting my MBA here was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and it springboarded my career in higher education. To come full circle now, 26 years later, I am hopeful I can provide the same return on this decision.

What excites you most about leading IT at Sacred Heart now?

There is such a great foundation within IT. There is a great staff, an impressive infrastructure and key investments already made. To be given the opportunity to now lead that organization and optimize the roadmap given, to ultimately unlock new opportunities and create competitive advantages—this truly excites me.

What are your goals and priorities for your first year?

Although I am working in technology, it is still about the people—the students, faculty and staff. My initial goals and priorities are to support this ecosystem and leverage the existing technological backbone so the focus is on enrollment, retention, student outcomes and long-term sustainability.

How does Sacred Heart’s mission align with your personal values and professional goals?

I am a Pioneer by definition. I am wired the same way as SHU’s impressive history of accomplishments and growth. As a first-generation student and accomplished SHU MBA with a concentration in entrepreneurship, I have a track record of successful “firsts” in social entrepreneurship throughout my career. This balance of creativity and caring to solve problems aligns perfectly with SHU’s mission, as well as my personal values and goals.

How do you see technology enhancing the student experience—both inside and outside the classroom—over the next few years?

I see technology enhancing the entire student life cycle. Initially, IT should support the student’s front door experience through accessibility and affordability tools and frictionless enrollment. Then, upon matriculation, it should support the student’s persistence and retention with holistic data regarding their experience inside and outside the classroom. Plus, the technological literacy gained by the student throughout their academic journey in the classroom and experiential opportunities outside the classroom should yield successful outcomes, such as job placements or furthering their education. Information technology should be that hidden fiber that supports the student throughout their experience.