’s Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, John Rathje, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 ORBIE® Award in the Corporate category.
The announcement was made at the Ohio ORBIE Awards ceremony held on March 7, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown. The ORBIE® Awards are widely recognized as the premier technology executive recognition program in the United States, honoring leaders in the technology space for their contributions to innovation, leadership, and business impact.
Rathje’s selection as a 2025 ORBIE® Award winner reflects his significant achievements in advancing ’s IT operations and supporting its mission. As part of the award process, nominees were asked to present their leadership strategies and technological initiatives.
Rathje’s innovative approach to technology leadership at Kent State is evident in his development of the Kent State Platform – a low-code technology platform designed to enhance user experience and streamline university systems.
"I am proud of the transformation our IT division has undergone to become a leader in higher education technology," Rathje said. "Our work, including creating an intelligent data hub and AI digital assistant, has had a direct impact on improving productivity, security and the university’s ability to deliver on its mission."
Holly Slocum, executive director of organizational effectiveness in the Division of Information Technology, praised Rathje’s leadership, noting, “John has built a collaborative and inclusive environment that empowers our entire division. His dedication to Kent State’s mission and his strategic vision in technology have driven significant progress at the university.”
Rathje’s win underscores ’s ongoing commitment to excellence in higher education and technology. This ORBIE® Award acknowledges not only his leadership but also the university’s dedication to providing an outstanding educational experience through the effective use of technology.