CCCS Internal 
At the heart of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is a mission to make education affordable, accessible, and transformative for learners across the state. Powered by 13 colleges, this mission is guided by a team of exceptional leaders who champion innovation and student success. Among them is Julie Ouska, Vice Chancellor for Information Technologies and Chief Information Officer at CCCS.
Julie leads a team of IT specialists who align initiatives with the system’s broader goals. Through her vision and leadership, CCCS has enhanced operational efficiency and improved student outcomes, earning recognition for its groundbreaking IT initiatives.
From Studio Potter to Technology Leader
Julie’s path to becoming a CIO was anything but traditional. With an initial degree in education and fine arts from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), she spent a decade as a studio potter while substitute teaching. “Although I loved being a potter, there wasn’t a lot of money in it, and Colorado was going through a recession. I decided to go back to work,” she recalled.
Her journey into technology began at UNC’s registration center, where she registered students using punched cards. Inspired by the computer programmers she observed, Julie pursued a second bachelor’s degree in management information science from UNC, launching her career in IT. She rose through the ranks from application programmer to business analyst and eventually into management, joining CCCS in 2007.
Transforming CCCS Through Technology
Under Julie’s leadership, CCCS has achieved significant milestones in IT innovation. She spearheaded the migration to a unified Microsoft 365 environment, bringing all 13 colleges and the system office under one secure platform. This transformation enhanced security, established consistent policies, and improved collaboration across the system.
Julie also played a key role in implementing tools like EAB’s Navigate, which supports student success through personalized academic planning. “These tools are designed to help students stay on track, explore their career interests, and meet critical deadlines, from enrollment to graduation,” she explained.
In a first-in-nation model to streamline online offerings across CCCS, Julie led the development of technology for Colorado Online, expanding students’ access to programs offered at other CCCS colleges. In collaboration with Chancellor Joe Garcia and leadership systemwide, Julie’s team created the “Sectionizer,” an application that optimized online course enrollment through strategic principles. “We worked with registrars and staff to integrate this solution seamlessly with our Student Information System, ensuring students could register through their home college while accessing courses system-wide,” Julie said. “Our goal was to make the process as simple as possible for students, faculty, and staff.”
Recognition for Innovation
Julie’s work has not gone unnoticed. CCCS earned the prestigious Foundry CIO 100 Award for leveraging IT to drive innovation and deliver value. Additionally, the system received the 2018 Technology Pioneer Award from EAB for using technology to enhance student success. These accolades highlight the impact of Julie’s initiatives on both students and the broader education technology community.
Mentorship and Leadership
Leading a team of 64 employees, Julie is passionate about mentoring her staff. “If they’re successful, my department is successful, and we’re meeting our organizational goals,” she said. “I believe it’s my responsibility as a leader to help my team grow and thrive.”
I believe it’s my responsibility as a leader to help my team grow and thrive.
Julie’s expertise extends beyond CCCS. A sought-after speaker at education technology conferences, she shares insights on how technology can transform education. Her career stands as a testament to her vision and dedication, making a lasting impact on CCCS and the field of education technology.
