The Smart Campus Manifesto: Transforming IT and OT for the AI-Enabled Sustainable Smart Campus is a leadership guide for institutions navigating the convergence of Information Technology (IT), Operational Technology (OT), and the built environment. Written for executive leaders in higher education and other complex campus settings, this Manifesto reframes the Smart Campus not as a collection of technology projects, but as a new institutional operating model. As campuses become densely connected, software-defined, and data-producing, the historical separation between IT and Facilities has become a strategic risk. This book addresses that risk directly, offering a leadership-ready framework for governance, architecture, culture, and execution that enables institutions to move from fragmented modernization efforts to a cohesive, intelligent, and resilient campus ecosystem. The Manifesto explores how technologies such as IoT, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and advanced data platforms transform buildings, utilities, safety systems, and learning environments into decision-grade institutional assets. It emphasizes that success depends not only on technology adoption but also on intentional leadership, shared decision-making rights, disciplined architecture, and cross-functional collaboration between Technology and Facilities leaders. Through practical models, strategic principles, and real-world use-case patterns, the book shows how the AI-enabled sustainable smart campus can deliver measurable outcomes: reduced operational and energy costs, improved resilience and cybersecurity, transparent sustainability performance, enhanced student and employee experiences, and stronger institutional trust. More than a vision, this Manifesto is designed to be operational. It equips presidents, boards, CIOs, CTOs, Chief Facilities Officers, and executive teams with a common language and a clear roadmap to govern convergence, manage risk, and transform the campus itself into a living system capable of learning, adapting, and improving through disruption.
Burrell, Steven C.: - Dr. Steven C. Burrell is an executive leader, author, strategist, and futurist with over 40 years of experience driving higher education forward through intentional, human-centered technology transformation. Recognized by EdTech Magazine in 2020 as one of the top 30 higher education IT influencers, he has shaped his career by linking digital innovation to institutional mission, culture, and student success. Dr. Burrell has served as Vice President and Chief Information Officer at five institutions, including doctoral research universities and community colleges, most recently as CIO at Northern Arizona University. Throughout his career, he has led complex statewide and institutional strategies, multi-million-dollar budgets, and large-scale digital infrastructure initiatives focused on access, resilience, and innovation. A committed mentor and educator, Dr. Burrell has played a key role in developing the next generation of higher education IT leaders through pro-grams such as the Next Leaders Fellowship, EDUCAUSE leadership initiatives, Internet2, and national communi-ty leadership efforts. Beyond campus leadership, he is a trusted advisor in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He has con-tributed to statewide AI policies, Indigenous nation technology planning, and national research and education networks. He has served on international CIO advisory boards for Microsoft(c) and Salesforce(c). Additionally, he has served on public boards throughout the U.S. and was part of Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs' AI Advisory Taskforce. His work has been instrumental in bridging the digital divide in rural and tribal communities across Southeastern states. Currently, he works as an independent consultant and podcast host, guiding institutional leaders in the future of education and smart infrastructure.
