Indian American tech expert Viji Murali appointed CIO of the University of California, Davis

Murali is an alum of Osmania University.

By Deepak Chitnis

WASHINGTON, DC: Indian American IT expert Viji Murali was named last week as the new Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the University of California’s Davis (UC Davis) campus.

Murali, who will begin her new position on August 18, is coming to UC Davis from the Washington State University system, where she has served as the CIO and Vice-President of Information Services since 2007.

In a press release, Murali voiced her enthusiasm to take on her new job at UC Davis.

“I am excited to be joining a university with such a wonderful reputation, to lead the IT enterprise that contributes to the university’s excellence, in everything from student success to research,” said Murali, in a statement. “I intend to develop a shared vision with the faculty, staff and students, and we will move the institution to even greater heights.”

UC Davis Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi echoed those sentiments, saying “UC Davis is incredibly fortunate to recruit someone with Viji’s experience and expertise,” adding that Murali is “a leader in her field, and her efforts will be essential in realizing our Vision of Excellence.”

Murali earned her bachelor’s degree from the Women’s College at Osmania University, India in 1975, majoring in the fields of biology and chemistry. She then did her master’s degree studies in organic chemistry at Osmania’s College of Science, graduating in 1977. She earned her Ph.D. in organic chemistry in 1981 after working at the Regional Research Laboratory, also affiliated with Osmania.

UC Davis, which is part of the state-wide University of California system of schools, has over 34,000 students, 4,100 full-time faculty, and 17,400 staff. The campus has a research budget of $750 million and offers 99 undergraduate majors across four colleges and six professional schools.