UC Tech News is excited to launch the UC Tech Leaders Q&A Series in 2026—a series designed to spotlight the voices shaping technology across UC.
What is Your Name?
Shohreh Bozorgmehri
What is Your Title? UC Location?
I am currently transitioning from my role as Interim Chief of Staff to the UCOP CIO at the UC Office of the President, where I have served for the past two years, to Divisional Director for Student & Academic Services in the Office of Information Technology at UC Irvine. I am also Co-Chairing the University of California’s Investments AI Advisory Board.
What Are Your Top Priorities in 2026?
As I transition from supporting the UC Office of the President back to my home campus at UC Irvine, I’m energized to bring fresh perspectives, meaningful relationships, and new insights into my work. At the core of my priorities are three interconnected dimensions: technology, people, and process. On the technology front, I’m focused on modernization and creating integrated enterprise systems that operate seamlessly and support the institution’s evolving needs. For people, my priority is cultivating the next generation of AI-enabled leaders who are innovative thinkers equipped to adapt, lead, and excel in an increasingly complex and dynamic landscape. From a process perspective, I’m committed to driving efficiency and advancing data-driven decision-making. This balance is what energizes me to ensure we build a resilient, forward-looking organization that can thrive in the future.
What Emerging Tech Excites You for Higher Ed?
Artificial intelligence is the most exciting emerging technology for higher education today. It presents a unique opportunity to transform how institutions operate, teach, research, and serve their communities—from personalized learning and research acceleration to operational efficiency and decision-making. My experience leading AI initiatives at UCOP and systemwide has reinforced the potential of AI to unlock new value when implemented thoughtfully and collaboratively. What excites me most is the ability to bring together cross-functional stakeholders—academic, administrative, and technical—to co-create meaningful use cases that directly impact students, faculty, and staff. In my view, AI is not just a technology shift; it is an institutional transformation that can elevate higher education’s mission when paired with strong governance and a human-centered approach.
What Challenges in Higher Education Concern You Most?
The rising cost of higher education remains one of the most pressing challenges facing our institutions and the students we serve. We must continuously evaluate how we deliver services, support learning, and operate as an enterprise to ensure we are providing meaningful value. Technology innovation presents an opportunity to rethink traditional models, streamline operations, and improve access to services in ways that reduce administrative burden and enhance the student experience. Our responsibility is to leverage digital transformation thoughtfully to increase value, improve outcomes, and ensure higher education remains accessible and sustainable for future generations.
How Do You Balance Innovation with Security?
I see innovation and security as complementary priorities that work best when designed and advanced together from the start. In my work, particularly with AI implementation, I’ve focused on embedding security, risk, and legal considerations directly into innovation processes through cross-functional collaboration. This ensures that solutions are both forward-looking and resilient. Creating this balance requires intentional governance, clear frameworks, and ongoing dialogue between stakeholders. When security is integrated as an enabler rather than a constraint, organizations can move faster with greater confidence. The goal is harmony—where innovation thrives because strong security foundations are already in place.
What Principles/Values Shape Your Leadership?
My leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to people and relationships. I believe that trust, respect, and genuine connection are the foundation for any meaningful progress. I invest in understanding different perspectives and creating an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and motivated to contribute their best. Bringing warmth and energy into the workplace matters to me—I strive to inspire others and create a sense of shared purpose. At the same time, I’m future-oriented in how I lead. I’m drawn to exploring what’s ahead and thinking about how we can design solutions that position the organization for long-term success. I enjoy creating clarity in evolving environments and helping teams move forward with confidence. My approach blends human-centered leadership with forward-thinking innovation, ensuring we are not only solving today’s challenges but also building for what’s next.
What Books Are You Currently Reading?
I enjoy reading. I’m currently reading Thinking, Fast, and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. I recently read The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman and Think Again by Adam Grant. I enjoy exploring the societal and strategic implications of emerging technologies, understanding human decision-making and cognitive bias narratives, examining the future of AI and its impact on humanity.
What’s Your Favorite Thing to Do Outside of Work?
Cooking is my sanctuary and a deeply personal passion. I vividly remember being ten years old, preparing my first meal with guidance from my mother over the phone. The joy it brought to my family left a lasting impression and sparked a lifelong love for the culinary arts. Today, the kitchen remains a place where I find calm and creativity. From selecting fresh ingredients to crafting dishes with saffron, pomegranate, or vibrant berries, cooking allows me to disconnect, recharge, and create meaningful moments with those I care about. It’s both a ritual and a form of expression.
Anything Else to Add?
Right now is such an exciting—and crucial—moment for higher education. The University of California is uniquely positioned to set the pace for how digital transformation and AI are embraced, creating standards that can ripple well beyond the academic world. At the end of the day, our mission goes far beyond technology itself. It’s about empowering people, strengthening our educational mission, and making sure that innovation truly reflects our core values, inspires confidence, and supports a sustainable future for everyone involved.
Thank you for the conversation, Shohreh!
Shohreh Bozorgmehri
Interim Chief of Staff to UCOP CIO
Divisional Director, Student & Academic Services, Office of Information Technology
UC Irvine
Tech Leader Spotlights
UC Tech News is excited to launch the UC Tech Leaders Q&A Series in 2026—designed to spotlight the voices shaping technology across UC. The UC tech community values hearing directly from its leaders, and this series aims to be both inspiring and informative.
Are you a tech leader at UC? We’d love to hear from you! To participate, please complete the short Q&A form and please include a photo.
