Sean Murphy

Sean Murphy is an IT Executive with more than 20 years of experience, primarily in higher education.  A former United States Marine, Sean completed Marine Corps Communications and Electronics School at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, outside of Palm Springs.  He is also an alumnus of Cisco’s Networking Academy.  Sean has dedicated the last six years to serving as the Chief Information Officer at Southwestern Law School.

At Southwestern Law School, Sean successfully set and led technology strategy, aligned with the academic mission and administrative goals. His achievements include centralizing three independent IT departments, leading a comprehensive technology modernization project, implementing the school's first Teaching, Learning, and Technology team, and developing a robust cybersecurity program.

Sean initiated his career at California Institute of the Arts as a network technician, eventually progressing to the role of Chief Information Officer.  He was ultimately responsible for developing and managing a 12-person professional IT department with an annual $2M operational budget.  At California Institute of the Arts, Sean authored the Institute’s first 5-Year IT Strategic Plan, facilitated a comprehensive migration of the Institute’s ERP/SIS System, designed and implemented the network and technology systems for the Patty Disney Center for Life and Work, and transformed the IT organization into a professional, customer-focused department with a 99% satisfaction rating from faculty, students, and staff.

A proven leader with excellent management, communication, and technical skills, Sean is a seasoned IT professional with a passion for customer service. Specifically, Sean values partnering directly with faculty, students, and staff in order to set and achieve mutual technology goals in support of a school’s academic and administrative mission.