Biographical sketch

With over 25 years of experience in information technology leadership, Jamar has established a reputation as a transformational Chief Information Officer and a trusted advocate for strategic innovation in higher education and public service. Currently serving as Chief Information Officer at Elizabeth City State University, Jamar leads IT vision and service delivery, working closely with administrative and academic units to align technology initiatives with the institution’s broader strategic goals. Through a leadership style that energizes teams and unifies them around common objectives, Jamar has fostered a culture of collaboration, accountability, and purpose, empowering staff to consistently exceed expectations.

Alongside the CIO role, Jamar chairs the Shared Services Council for the UNC System, where he oversees multi-institutional technology initiatives, manages shared budgets and cost allocations, and ensures transparency and equity across all 11 UNC member institutions. Jamar also provides direct instruction as an adjunct professor, designing and teaching undergraduate courses in LAN and WAN technologies, where his focus on hands-on learning and real-world scenarios helps prepare the next generation of technology professionals. Throughout his career, Jamar has championed practical and innovative technology solutions that enhance both operational efficiency and the end-user experience.

Notable achievements include designing and launching a university-wide video collaboration platform, creating a state-of-the-art 4K video studio, implementing simplified classroom communication solutions, and developing comprehensive technical training programs for faculty and staff. In budget stewardship, Jamar is responsible for managing a $500,000 annual IT budget and supporting over 250 faculty and staff, in addition to providing service that impacts more than 12,000 public officials annually. Before joining Elizabeth City State University, Jamar held multiple roles at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, including Director of Information Technology, Educational Technologies Manager, and Multi-media Developer.

In these roles, he led diverse teams, managed classroom and distance learning technologies, designed interactive multimedia experiences, and developed web platforms that supported both academic and administrative functions. Jamar also gained valuable experience working with major organizations such as Cisco Systems, the Department of Transportation, Symantec Corporation, and Misys Health Care Systems, where he specialized in web design, multimedia development, systems analysis, and technical support.

Jamar holds a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Cybersecurity from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, is a National Certified Government Chief Information Officer through UNC Chapel Hill, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Saint Augustine’s University.

Jamar and his wife, Kelly, are currently empty nesters with two adult daughters, Kaylah and Deja, who live nearby in Raleigh. Jamar and Kelly live in Durham, NC with their cat, Wily. Jamar enjoys working out, photography and graphic design. He has coached AAU 16U5, but decided to take a break last year to coach 5 and 6-year-olds for a family friend.

Applications and development skills