Viji Murali, an IT veteran in higher education, has been named chief information officer and vice provost of Information and Educational Technology at the University of California, Davis.

“UC Davis is incredibly fortunate to recruit someone with Viji’s experience and expertise,” Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi said in announcing Murali’s appointment. “She is a leader in her field, and her efforts will be essential in realizing our Vision of Excellence.”

Murali is coming to UC Davis from Washington State University, where, since 2007, she has served as vice president for Information Services and CIO for the WSU system.

She succeeds Pete Siegel, who left UC Davis a year ago. Professor Prasant Mohapatra has served as interim vice provost and CIO in the meantime.

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ralph J. Hexter noted Murali’s nearly three decades of experience in higher education IT and said she “is prepared to leverage our broad IT resources toward building a more efficient university.”

Murali is set to start her new job on Aug. 18. “I am excited to be joining a university with such a wonderful reputation, to lead the IT enterprise that contributes to the university’s excellence, in everything from student success to research.

“I intend to develop a shared vision with the faculty, staff and students, and we will move the institution to even greater heights,” she said.

She received a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from the Women’s College at Osmania University, India (1975), and a master’s in organic chemistry from Osmania’s College of Science (1977). She then joined the Regional Research Laboratory, affiliated with Osmania, and worked there toward a doctoral degree in organic chemistry until 1981.