Sam Williams is the Interim Vice Provost for the Division of University Information and Technology and Chief Information Officer at Oregon State University. He brings more than 25 years of experience in technology, including 13 years in senior leadership roles within higher education across Oregon such as Chief Information Officer at Linfield University, Director of Academic Technology Services & Innovation at the University of Portland, and Director of Administrative Technology at Salish Kootenai College. Prior to his current role, he served as Executive Director of Business Architecture at Oregon State University.
At OSU, Sam has provided strategic leadership for several major campus-wide initiatives, including IT Service Management, Digital Accessibility, AI Readiness, and the Administrative Modernization Program (AMP). He is recognized as a trusted partner and strategist, known for uniting teams, championing digital engagement, and leading institution‑wide modernization efforts with clarity and purpose.
Sam is an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of Montana and a first‑generation college graduate. He is deeply committed to fostering inclusive, collaborative environments and meaningful dialogue through the Gracious Space framework. First introduced to Gracious Space during his participation in Leadership Montana (2009–2010), Sam has since brought this approach to Oregon State University as a foundation for critical conversations and shared leadership.
Sam is also a graduate of the 2018–2019 NWACC Leadership Development Program.