The Business Value Of IT: How CIOs Drive Competitiveness
Search CIO, Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
CIOs create business value when they remove obstacles and align teams, not when they adopt flashy technology. The CIO of DeVry University shows how IT offers a competitive edge.
CIOs can't just chase the latest technology and expect to be competitive. Instead, they must cut friction and zero in on customer outcomes.
For Chris Campbell, CIO of DeVry University, competitiveness depends on tying investments directly to customer outcomes rather than chasing abstract innovation. He emphasizes the CIO's role as a cross-functional connector who can align leaders around competing priorities to keep the organization moving forward. Above all, Campbell believes strong business context -- not tools alone -- gives CIOs their greatest advantage in a fast-evolving tech landscape.