Subbiah’s career with UB started 13 years ago when he provided IT support for the Regional Institute and Millard Fillmore College. During his time with the institute, Subbiah worked to establish a robust computing infrastructure that supported and enhanced the center’s public policy and research initiatives. In time, Subbiah was promoted to Director of Operations, where he oversaw and managed the institute’s budget, finances, human resources, facilities and information technology.

In Summer 2011, the Regional Institute was realigned and became a part of UB’s School of Architecture and Planning. The new connection with the school soon led to Subbiah’s current role as the school’s Chief Information Officer and Associate Dean for External Affairs. In addition to leading the school’s information technology efforts, his focus also includes alumni relations, communications, continuing education and liaison to Development.

 “Thanks to the vision and leadership of Dean Robert Shibley, we’re taking things to a new level,” Subbiah added.  “We’re committed to enhancing our capacities and organizing a cohesive plan that advances all of the Dean’s mission areas. We have ambitious goals, but I am confident we can get there thanks to our Dean’s focus and character, combined with the wonderful work ethic of our staff.”

A key component of the Dean’s plan is the creation of an Office of External Affairs, with a primary charge of expanding the School of Architecture and Planning’s communications and outreach efforts. Subbiah added, “Thanks to a great team at the school, we are advancing on many fronts.  We launched a new magazine this past spring for students, faculty, alumni and friends, which tells our story and celebrates our achievements. We’re making a difference in the Buffalo region and the magazine showcases the great work of the school’s family: our students, faculty, staff and alumni. We’re currently putting together the next issue and working with University Communications to completely revamp our website, which will be launched in the near future."

One of Subbiah’s key roles is determining the best technology solutions for Architecture and Planning. "We have to advance the research and academic goals of the school in a world of increasingly limited resources,” he continued. “But you can’t stand still when it comes to technology; you need to move forward while being strategic. Our main priority is streamlining the efforts of the school, as outlined by the Dean, and tailoring our IT resources to the needs of our faculty and students."

Subbiah continues to explore new ways for the school to partner with CIT, as well as other schools and departments within the university. He added, “A solution isn’t one unless it solves your problem. Assessment of current infrastructure and determining if there are any gaps for students and faculty is the first step.”