ITS Leadership

Photo of Travis Nation

Travis Nation

B.S., Business Administration from University of Wyoming
M.B.A., Information Technology Management from Southern New Hampshire University

Chief Information Officer, Vice Provost of Information Technology

Phone: 206-296-2002

Travis Nation is the Vice Provost for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Seattle University. 

As Chief Information Officer, Travis is charged with the creation of IT initiatives that align with Seattle University’s Strategic Directions, institutional culture, and long-term goals. Travis provides leadership for the continued development of an innovative, secure, and robust information technology environment throughout the University. 

Photo of Heather Geiger

Heather Geiger

B.A., English from Mount Holyoke College

Director of IT Finance & Vendor Management

Phone: 206-296-5832

Heather has served many roles at SeattleU including Director of IT Finance and Special Assistant to the Interim Provost, Director of IT Finance and Accreditation Officer, and Manager of University Planning. When not at work, Heather enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, visiting family, and tending to her rock collection.

Photo of MK Smith

MK Smith

B.A., History from University of Chicago

Director of Application Services

Phone: 206-296-5549

As the Director of Application Services in ITS, MK works with a variety of applications for departments across campus. Prior to coming to SeattleU, MK served as the Director of the Project Management Office and the Communications and Project Manager at the University of Puget Sound. Before moving to the Pacific Nothwest, she occupied roles at the University of Mississippi and at the Shiloh Museum in Springdale, AR. In her free time, MK enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. If you are ever in need of a smile, MK is happy to provide you with photos and video of her corgi, Gwendolyn.

Photo of Jerry Vergeront

Jerry Vergeront

B.A., English Literature and Computer Science from Evergreen State College
J.D., Seattle University

Director of Risk and Cybersecurity

Phone: 206-296-5607

Jerry comes to Seattle University from his own private law practice, after a cybersecurity career trajectory that has included both hands-on technical work as well as IT audit responsibilities. Jerry has held significant IT Security roles at Starbucks, Anitian Enterprise Security, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Premera Blue Cross. Jerry’s law education has focused on security and compliance practices, though he also does pro-bono legal work as a service to his community. Jerry has CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) and CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) certifications, and is a veteran, having served in the Air Force for five years, including a role as a Cryptologic Linguist. Jerry’s other interests include spending time with his family, taking day trips on his motorcycle, stream fishing, and reading (just not all at the same time).  For a creative outlet, Jerry enjoys writing.

Photo of Mark Young

Mark Young

B.S., Chemistry from University of Virginia
Ph.D., Chemistry from Penn State University

Director of Enterprise Architecture

Phone: 206-296-2146

Mark has worked in higher education all of his adult life, first as a scientist and educator at the University of Oregon, then as a technologist in various roles. Prior to coming to Seattle U, Mark was Director of Network and Servers at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. As Enterprise Architect, his role is to document, design, and help deploy information technology transitions and operations. Outside of work, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife. Time permitting, he also has at various times enjoyed travel, woodworking, nature, movies, reading, and playing guitars.