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?
Lily Barger
What is Your Title? UC Location?
Director of Campus Support, Outreach & Engagement at UC Riverside
What are Your Top IT/Security Priorities in 2026?
AI tool adoption, enhancing cybersecurity, and improving service delivery.
What Emerging Tech Excites You for Higher Ed?
I am excited about how we can effectively utilize AI like Gemini Enterprise to reduce the amount of administrative and clerical work (for the staff in particular) and how we can reclaim those hours to be more thoughtful and strategic in our work.
What Emerging Tech Worries You?
While I am excited about AI and effective utilization, it also worries me in terms of student and employee learning and skill sets. AI can be very useful or very harmful, and must be approached carefully.
How Do You Balance Innovation with Security?
I balance innovation with security through education of end users, and by understanding the risks and implications associated with the innovation. Making security and security practices easier for the average end user to understand helps them become allies in the work.
What Principles/Values Shape Your Leadership?
I have a “human first” mindset – learning from mistakes, treating people with equality and respect, and demonstrating courage and authenticity. I believe in responsibility and service as the core pillars of my leadership, and in curiosity and open mindedness when it comes to problem solving.
What Books are You Currently Reading?
I just finished reading most of Anne Pachett’s novels.
What’s Your Favorite Thing to Do Outside of Work?
I enjoy working in my yard at home, doing art projects, exploring towns with my husband, and sailing.
Thank you for the conversation, Lily!
Lily was nominated by Alex Chrystal who says:
“Lily is a gracious leader who advocates for and uplifts her team. Since taking on this role, she’s been instrumental in helping ITS cultivate positive working relationships with our faculty and staff. Lily truly goes above and beyond. I feel fortunate to have Lily as a colleague.”
Lily Barger
Director of Campus Support, Outreach & Engagement
UC Riverside
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.
Do you want to nominate our next UC Tech Leader? Email us at UCTechNews@ucop.edu.
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.
