Mechelle Clayton has been named Assistant Vice Chancellor for ITS Enterprise Applications, effective October 1.
She has served as Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enterprise Applications since October 2019. Clayton was chosen for the permanent position following a national search.
To the permanent AVC role, Clayton brings “unmatched breadth and depth of experience,” J. Michael Barker, Vice Chancellor for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, wrote in his announcement to ITS.
“After more than three decades in progressive information technology roles at UNC-Chapel Hill, Mechelle is without peer with respect to her knowledge of the intricacies of institutional operations, processes, obligations and pathways toward success,” Barker said.
The Enterprise Applications division that Clayton will now lead in a permanent capacity is responsible for UNC-Chapel Hill’s administrative systems such as ConnectCarolina Student Administration, Finance, Human Resources and Payroll systems and related applications. Enterprise Applications also is responsible for applications for Finance and Operations, ITS and The Friday Center for Continuing Education, electronic payments and other areas.
Rising to the challenge
As interim leader, Clayton navigated Enterprise Applications through the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Enterprise Applications was addressing the acute needs presented by the pandemic, the division improved myriad functions and processes and implemented new services and systems.
“Throughout, Mechelle proved especially adept at tuning Enterprise Applications processes, clarifying priorities, forging relationships with campus leaders, streamlining workflows within ITS and balancing resources,” Barker said.
Clayton’s style and manner, he added, emphasize and inspire listening and trust.
Working her way up
Clayton has worked at the University for more than 30 years. She began her career with ITS after graduating from Carolina with a degree in math and a concentration in computer science.
“Her scope of responsibilities has ranged from being part of a development team, to lead developer, to leading data conversions, leading functional and technical implementations in varied domains, to many years as the principal point of contact for annual financial audit activities as it relates to the University’s information technology systems,” Barker said.
Barker said he looks forward to the work Clayton and the Enterprise Applications team will accomplish in the future.
“Together, they have demonstrated the division’s value to UNC-Chapel Hill,” he said. “And together, with Mechelle in the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enterprise Applications position permanently, they will continue to demonstrate, refine and focus that value.”