Ep.133 Redefining HigherEd: A Conversation with Phil Komarny, CIO, Maryville University of Saint Louis

And a big thank you to our brand partners who keep this podcast free to the listener:
Nagarro is a leading provider of digital government services, partnering with state, local, and federal clients on some of their most strategic technology projects. Nagarro offers expertise in Digital Services, Legacy Modernization, Case Management, Data & AI, Service Desk, Cyber Security, and more. To learn more, check out www.nagarro.com.
Today on The Public Sector Show by TechTables, we hear from Phil Komarny, CIO, of Maryville University of Saint Louis, where he is focused on revolutionizing education through personalization and data. He discusses how Maryville is using collective technology to create a more engaging digital experience for its learners, and how he envisions a future where educational data is used to create personalized learning journeys for every student. He also emphasizes the importance of leadership and courage in driving change and innovation in higher education.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:38) - Phil's background and the mission of Maryville University
(03:35) - Personalized learning journeys and the importance of understanding student data
(08:41) - Leveraging technology to create lifelong relationships with students
(11:35) - The role of AI in creating personalized learning journeys
(14:23) - The importance of leadership and courage in higher education
(18:12) - Maryville's approach to innovation and change
(20:29) - The role of collective technology in empowering educators and learners
(24:45) - Phil's advice for technology leaders
(27:23) - The benefits of automation and AI in higher education
(29:27) - Conclusion and where to find Phil
We send out a free weekly podcast and a newsletter highlighting human-centric stories from public sector CIOs, CISOs, and technology leaders across federal, state, city, county, and higher education.
Sign up for Behind the Mic by TechTables https://www.techtables.com/
Listen on:
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-public-sector-show-by-techtables/id1661752549
🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bFQBsDwKJkdNk2qENkhNL (timestamps, audience Q&A)
Follow us:
LinkedIn TechTables https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/
LinkedIn - Connect with Joe! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/
Twitter https://twitter.com/thejoetoste

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.techtables.com

🎥 Upcoming Live Podcast Tours

1. 2026 IGNITE Powered by Info-Tech LIVE - Austin, TX - Sept. 17th-18th

If you’re an IT leader in Austin, Houston, or nearby, Info-Tech’s got complimentary tickets with your name on them (just DM me I’ll be there). IGNITE is getting past the AI hype and into the real questions CIOs are wrestling with: how to get your people actually using AI, what the shift from “employee in the loop” to “employee on the loop” looks like, and how to budget when the costs keep moving up.

→ Ready to join the conversation in person? Email joe@techtables.com

Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:

1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter

Thanks for reading TechTables! Get early access to new episodes, insights, upcoming events, and more — straight to your inbox.

Join now: https://www.techtables.com/

2. 🤝 Are you a local government CIO who wants to become a better leader?

Check out our high-trust, vendor-free peer group built for local government CIOs tackling real challenges, honest conversations, and an authentic desire to become a better leader — our next retreat is November 4th-6th in Austin, TX!

Learn more → https://techtables.com/communities-local-government

3. 🤝 The Better Together Series

The narrative-driven series bringing together industry partners and public sector CXOs. Discover the compelling stories that unfold when we stop working in silos and start building together.

»»» Email joe@techtables.com to learn more.