Chimon bolsters NU’s focus on operational excellence in the online space.
SAN DIEGO, CA (August 9, 2022) — National University, a veteran-founded nonprofit university that serves more than 30,000 working adult learners, educators, and members of the military community, today announced the hire of Chief Digital Officer Alexander Chimon. During more than 25 years in digital and ecommerce industries—and more than a decade leading digital enterprise transformations at Fortune 100 firms—Chimon has driven customer-focused digital innovation strategies at HP, Cars.com, McDonalds, Catalina USA, Pyroweb, and a variety of startups. Prior to joining National University, he served as divisional vice president of digital for Health Care Services Corporation (HCSC) and its Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas divisions of Blue Cross Blue Shield.
“We’re pleased to welcome Alexander Chimon at this pivotal juncture in our digital transformation for growth,” said Dr. Michael R. Cunningham, interim president of National University and chancellor of the National University System. “His unique depth of experience as a leading strategist and technologist spans many critical industries and top enterprises. Through his expertise, we look forward to adapting the best-in-class technologies and strategies of those industries to further strengthen and accelerate our capabilities in delivering superior digital experiences to our students and valued partners.”
At HCSC, Chimon led development and implementation of its multiyear digital strategy to expand digital capabilities for improved CX through the launch of its new member portal, mobile app, and digital pharmacy services. His selection as CDO followed an exhaustive search in support of the university’s vision of serving as a national nonprofit leader in providing asynchronous, career-relevant education to working adults and the military community.
As CDO, Chimon will shape the digital landscape at National University as it focuses on operational excellence and provides learners with best-in-class experiences and resources at every step of their educational journey.
“I’m excited to join National University at such an amazing point in their journey—a point where I can proactively advance the NU digital and data enterprise strategy supporting its vision for growth,” Chimon said. “I’ve been honored to work for many outstanding organizations—now including NU—during successful transformations, evolutions, and inceptions that ultimately provide better service to their constituents. I look forward to bringing the successes and learnings from those efforts to help NU reach the next level in its digital journey.”
The appointment of the CDO executive follows the July 18 announcement of National University’s merger with Northcentral University, which is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2022. Once completed, the combined university will grow to become a predominantly online university serving over 40,000 students. It will include end-to-end educational programs from pre-college to doctoral level, as well as a focus on microcredentials and workforce training programs.
About National University: National University, a veteran-founded nonprofit, has been dedicated to meeting the needs of hard-working adults by providing accessible, affordable, achievable higher education opportunities since 1971. As San Diego’s largest private nonprofit university, NU offers over 75 online and on-campus programs and flexible four-week classes designed to help students reach their goals while balancing busy lives. Since its founding, the NU community has grown to over 30,000 students and 190,000 alumni around the globe, many of whom serve in helping industries such as business, education, health care, cybersecurity, and law and criminal justice. National University’s merge with Northcentral University will be complete on September 30, 2022, growing the institution by over 10,000 students and 80 graduate and doctoral programs. Learn more at NU.edu.
About the National University System: The National University System (NUS) is a network of accredited nonprofit education institutions serving a diverse population of students including pre-K-12 students and working professionals. NUS higher-education institutions serve more than 45,000 students through National University, Northcentral University, and City University of Seattle. NUS education-focused initiatives include Workforce Education Solutions, Harmony SEL, Inspire Teaching & Learning, and Fundraising Academy Cause Selling Education. National University’s merge with Northcentral University will be complete on September 30, 2022, growing the institution by over 10,000 students and 80 graduate and doctoral programs. Learn more at nusystem.org.