Ronald Bergmann, Lehman’s Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, has been named as one of the nation’s Top 30 Technologists, Transformers and Trailblazers by the Center for Digital Education (CDE). The award recognizes education and technology leaders in the United States who are transforming the educational landscape through the use of digital tools.

Bergmann was selected along with the other winners based on their “efforts to improve education through the effective implementation of technology-rich solutions, their impact on student outcomes, and their overall initiative, creativity and leadership skills,” according to the CDE’s statement.

“Our winners have shown an immense amount of passion and courage as they take on education in an era that encompasses rapid changes, said Dr. Kecia Ray, the CDE’s executive director. “I am thrilled to recognize this outstanding group for their work, and wish them the best as they continue to push the field forward with education technology.”

Among his many accomplishments at Lehman, Bergmann played a key role in establishing the College’s new Virtual Reality Training Academy and Development Lab with the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. The Lab began classes in May 2017, and is a first of a kind facility in the region. The lab was recently awarded a grant from the New York City Economic Development Corporation and will partner with NYU’s Media Lab to support workforce development in the burgeoning fields of virtual and augmented reality. Bergmann and his staff are also about to pilot a new platform, called Lehman 360, that will provide enhanced information to students, faculty, and advisors.

The Center for Digital Education is a California-based national research and advisory institute that focuses on K-12 and higher education technology trends, policy and funding.