By Jean Guezmir, Chief Information Officer, St. Catherine University
St. Paul, MN – August 1, 2025
As I prepare to retire from my role as Chief Information Officer at St. Catherine University, I find myself reflecting not just on the years of service, but on the people, the progress, and the meaningful impact we have made. I have always believed that our work should leave something better behind, and I am proud to say that my final project at St. Kate’s embodies that belief.
Earlier this year, we launched a bold initiative to modernize our network infrastructure and create new financial flexibility for the university. We completed the project in record time. It was ambitious, and it would not have been possible without the outstanding partnership of IP Clearinghouse (IPClear). Their guidance and technical expertise were instrumental in helping us deliver a solution that both modernized our environment and supported the university’s bottom line.
One of the most important aspects of this project involved the responsible monetization of our underutilized IPv4 address space. Like many universities, we had valuable network resources that were not fully leveraged. With IPClear’s help, we turned that idle asset into meaningful revenue that we can now reinvest in core priorities. This was not just a financial success. It was a strategic move that allowed us to improve our infrastructure without adding pressure to our internal team.
At the same time, we made several long-needed infrastructure upgrades. These included acquiring and deploying a new, right-sized IPv4 block, migrating both external and on-premises services, and significantly strengthening our network security posture. We improved perimeter controls, reduced our attack surface, and enhanced reliability and performance for our entire university community. These improvements have made our network more efficient, more secure, and better prepared for the digital demands of learning and research.
What stood out to me throughout this project was how seamless the execution was. IPClear provided turnkey support from start to finish. Their team handled everything from planning to migration, and they did so with professionalism and deep technical knowledge. Their collaboration with our staff was smooth and effective, which allowed us to move quickly without overextending our team. I want to give special recognition to Colin Wirth, whose contributions were essential to keeping the project on track and ensuring its success.
Another important element of this initiative was preparing St. Catherine University for the future through a thoughtful and strategic approach to IPv6. Although adoption has been slow in higher education, it is clear that IPv6 is essential for long-term sustainability and innovation. With IPClear’s support, we have laid a strong foundation for future adoption that will support emerging technologies and scale with our growth.
As I considered how to frame my retirement announcement, I realized that I wanted it to reflect more than just the end of my time at the university. I wanted it to highlight what we accomplished together and the legacy we are leaving behind. Completing this project in my final week at St. Kate’s provided the kind of professional closure that is rare and deeply meaningful.
It symbolizes the values I have carried throughout my career… intentional leadership, strategic impact, and building something lasting.
This experience has reinforced my belief that meaningful transformation is possible, even within the constraints that many institutions face. With the right mindset and the right partners, we achieved results that advanced our mission, supported our people, and positioned St. Catherine University for long-term success.
To my fellow CIOs and technology leaders in higher education, I encourage you to explore similar opportunities. Monetizing IPv4, modernizing your infrastructure, and preparing for IPv6 are worthwhile and can be transformative. For us, this initiative has been a game changer.
To my colleagues, partners, and friends at St. Catherine University, thank you for the trust, the collaboration, and the opportunity to serve. It has been an honor.
Jean
Please visit the following for additional information about IPClear’s collaboration with Jean Guezmir and St. Catherine University