By Kerry Laird
The Journal of Black Innovation has selected Prairie View A&M University Chief Information Officer Tony Moore as one of its 50 Most Important African Americans in Technology.
“Throughout the course of his career, he has consistently proven to be an effective asset in designing enterprise management solutions through a combination of budget forecasting, cost-saving procurement and integration,” reads an article published in the journal honoring the 21st annual event. “He constantly builds strategies to build 21st-century advances in an academic setting promoting the effective and efficient use of technology.”
Chosen from among an estimated 562,000 black technologists, Moore rose to the top by way of his accomplishments, activities and impact in technology—each of which were standards critiqued by the journal’s committee for the selection.
“[The committee] also looks at intent, along with effects on the immediate community served by the individual or institution,” said Moore. “I am humbled to receive this honor along with the other recipients. It means that we are recognized for our efforts to improve the lives of others, and we are making an impact for the greater good through our work and leadership.”
As CIO at PVAMU, Moore strives to implement “innovative solutions and programs” that work to “support the university’s mission and goals.” Prior to his role at PVAMU, Moore served as a vice president at Xavier University and the Southern University System.
Advancing Technology at HBCUs
The rapid rate of expansion in technology keeps folks scrambling to stay abreast with the latest advancements in cell phones, televisions, and automobiles, to name a few. It is no different when it comes to colleges and universities that work to provide students and staff with the latest and greatest capabilities.
“The pace of change in information technology is a daunting task, at times, and it is a challenge to maintain, as well as adopt, new technologies,” said Moore. “In addition, there are enormous pressures to maintain a secure and compliant environment. As an HBCU, our challenges are no different than most other institutions in that we are continuously working to maintain talent while juggling competing priorities.”
Moore said that driving the effort to be leaders of change is a particularly difficult challenge when working with limited resources. However, that doesn’t keep PVAMU from advancing and implementing new technology that continues to make the HBCU a premier mecca of knowledge for students across the country and around the world.
“We are extremely excited about improving our infrastructure to meet the ever-changing demand for wireless and network resources,” said Moore. “In addition, we will begin our digital transformation strategic plans to improve service, increase internal collaboration, optimize processes, and increase efficiencies.”
Grateful for Recognition
Started in 1998, The Journal of Black Innovation’s 50 Most Important African Americans in Technology selection process results in more than just a list of who’s who among Black technology professionals. Those chosen by the committee secure a spot in the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, California.
According to the journal, “selectees meet on the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., January 15, to solve big challenges using their collective expertise and to boost opportunities for generations to follow.”
Throughout the subsequent year, members of the prestigious group join with students in person and online—through meetings made possible by ReUNION: Education-Arts-Heritage, the African-American children’s instructional channel—to encourage young people of African heritage to consider a career in technology.
The journal states that since the first Innovation & Equity symposium, the number of African Americans involved in technology-related careers has jumped by more than 40%.
In the end, Moore said selection to the list brings recognition to those who continue to do “the right things, the right way, and for the right reasons.”
“It is also a keen reminder that it is what you do for others that matters the most. I am extremely grateful for the recognition.”
