Senior Vice President for Digital Transformation and Chief Digital Officer
Jeffrey Rubin is Syracuse University’s inaugural Senior Vice President for Digital Transformation and Chief Digital Officer. In this role, Rubin oversees the Information Technology Services team and leads the University’s digital transformation efforts. He focuses on digital innovation and data strategy and explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and higher education.
Before his current role, Rubin served as Special Advisor to the Chancellor on Digital Transformation since July 2021, where he led significant projects such as the installation of the distributed antenna system (DAS) at the JMA Wireless Dome, the implementation of an eSports major on campus and the buildout of the University’s private wireless network.
Rubin arrived at Syracuse University as an undergraduate in 1991 and has been a member of the faculty of the School of Information Studies since 1996. As a Professor of Practice, he teaches over 500 students annually, instilling a passion for technology and digital evolution. His dedication to teaching and mentorship has been recognized with the iSchool’s Jeffrey Katzer Professor of the Year Award in 2001, 2016 and 2022.
He is also the founder and former president of SIDEARM Sports, a Syracuse-based company that became the nation’s leading digital fan engagement platform for college athletics. After SIDEARM’s acquisition by Learfield in 2014, Rubin continued to serve as president. He was later named Executive Vice President of Digital for LEARFIELD, where he led 200+ employees and grew SIDEARM into a powerhouse used by over 95% of NCAA Division I programs. In addition, Jeff led the digital marketing and ad operations teams, which harnessed and targeted over 100M known fans.
In 2023, Rubin was honored with the Keith Jackson Eternal Flame Award for his lasting contributions to intercollegiate athletics. His extensive service to Syracuse University includes roles on the School of Information Studies Board of Advisors and the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics Advisory Council.
Rubin earned a bachelor’s degree in information management and technology in 1995 and a master’s degree in telecommunications and network management from the iSchool at Syracuse University.