A Conversation on Leadership, Growth, and Excellence with Lois Brooks

Written by: Esen Gokpinar-Shelton

Our RCD Emerging Leaders Program recently had the privilege of hosting Lois Brooks, retired Chief Information Officer of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in a Zoom session facilitated by our very own Todd Shechter, UW-Madison’s current Chief Technology Officer and a Steering Committee member for the Midwest RCD Consortium. The conversation offered a compelling window into how leadership, vision, and a focus on people drive meaningful change in higher education technology, just in time for the cohort’s in-person visit to UW-Madison.

Lois shared a remarkable story spanning 41 years in higher education IT, from the early days of personal computers at Stanford to leading major initiatives at Oregon State University and UW-Madison. Her reflections went beyond a career retrospective—they were lessons in courage, adaptability, and the enduring value of creating environments where people can do their best work.

A guiding principle throughout the discussion, and one that resonates deeply with the mission of the Emerging Leaders Program, is Lois’ quote: “Excellence is a choice, choose wisely.” Excellence, she explained, is not defined by titles or resources but by the daily decisions leaders make, how they show up for their teams, and how they support those around them. Whether scaling research computing, leading organizational turnarounds, or navigating complex institutional cultures, Lois emphasized that thoughtful leadership amplifies both individual and organizational success.

The session transitioned into a rich Q&A with the cohort, whose participants represent research computing, HPC, IT leadership, and data services across a variety of institutions. Conversations explored challenges such as managing rapid growth, balancing centralized and distributed IT models, and making strategic investments in technology and talent. Lois offered practical guidance: frame requests around supporting researchers, track progress to demonstrate impact, and leverage organizational structures to achieve both efficiency and innovation.

Todd also shared an equally important perspective on leadership: the power of individualized mentorship and creating opportunities for growth. He highlighted the importance of getting to know team members, understanding who is ready for the next step, and connecting people with opportunities, even if the timing isn’t perfect. By recognizing the unique skills and curiosity of individuals, such as senior technologists exploring new areas like AI, leaders can carve out space for learning, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. This approach strengthens teams, encourages innovation, and ensures that opportunities for growth are accessible to all.

These lessons reflect the vision behind the Emerging Leaders Program. When creating this program, we aimed to cultivate leaders who can navigate complexity, drive collaboration, and inspire teams in dynamic environments. Hearing from Lois (and Todd) immediately before the cohort’s UW-Madison visit provided a unique opportunity to connect leadership insights with real-world practice and campus context.

This session was more than a conversation about IT leadership; it was a moment for reflection, inspiration, and connection. The Emerging Leaders cohort left energized, equipped with actionable strategies, and reminded of the profound difference thoughtful leadership can make in research computing and higher education.

We are deeply grateful to Lois Brooks for sharing her time and wisdom, and to Todd Shechter for facilitating such a meaningful discussion.