Southern Methodist University has begun a new program that aims to help current and aspiring technology leaders excel in C-suite roles.
The university said interested people can enroll in the SMU Tech CxO Excellence Program, created in partnership with the Tech CxO Launchpad. The four-month program welcomed its first cohort of students in early February.
The program, offered through SMU Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE), features curriculum taught by industry experts—current or previous CIOs and CTOs in top organizations across DFW, the university said.
“This program provides our students with a distinctive opportunity to learn from seasoned chief information or technology officers, who will share valuable insights drawn from their extensive experience in technology leadership across various industries,” Terry Teague, senior director of corporate programs at SMU Global, Online and Continuing Education, said in a statement.
IT has moved from a function to ‘a fabric of the business’
During the initial class meeting, SMU said that guest speaker Charlie Feld, founder and CEO of The Feld Group Institute and former senior vice president of EDS, emphasized the importance of the training provided by the SMU Tech CxO Excellence program and the critical role tech leadership plays in driving business success and innovation.
“IT has moved from a function to a fabric of the business, and for companies that don’t understand that it’s going to be a problem,” Feld said during the class meeting.
From leadership to cybersecurity to financial planning and more
A collaboration with Tech CxO Launchpad, the SMU Tech CxO Excellence Program is at the forefront of shaping the future of technology leadership, SMU said.
It has a comprehensive curriculum covering leadership, cybersecurity, financial planning, and performance management, and the university said it equips students, who are working professionals, with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of modern tech leadership.
“The program also facilitates networking opportunities for students,” Teague said. “We find these are instrumental in fostering information exchange and nurturing collaborative, innovative ideas. As Dallas emerges as one of the country’s leading tech hubs, this program equips students to effectively align business objectives with technological advancements.
SMU said the program reinforces its commitment to offering robust technology programs that provide benefits to working professional students and support organizations in the corporate community.
You can find out more about the SMU Tech CxO Excellence program by going here.
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