AI, Cybersecurity and Access to Higher Ed: Chris Barry on the Microsoft–CSU Partnership

What happens when a modern land-grant university and a global tech leader join forces? In this episode of The Next 150, CSU President Amy Parsons visits Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, WA, for a wide-ranging conversation with Chris Barry, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President for U.S. Public Sector Industries. 

Chris leads Microsoft’s national engagement across federal, state, and local governments, higher education, and the defense industry — a portfolio that includes nearly 3,500 professionals. As the executive sponsor for the Microsoft–CSU Division of IT partnership, he plays a key role in shaping how technology can support student success, research innovation, and institutional transformation.

Together, they explore how the partnership is expanding access to education, advancing research in areas like laser technology and fusion, and addressing growing cybersecurity needs. They also discuss the intersection of culture and technology, the human side of digital transformation, and how CSU can best serve learners far beyond its Fort Collins campus.

Plus, hear Chris’ advice for today’s students—emphasizing curiosity, adaptability, and the importance of becoming AI literate in a rapidly evolving digital world.

More about Chris Barry:

Chris Barry, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, leads the Public Sector Industries segment in the United States, encompassing the federal, state and local government, higher education, and defense industrial base sectors. Chris oversees a dedicated team of nearly 3,500 professionals who are dedicated to leveraging Microsoft Cloud and AI solutions to drive digital transformation, enhance productivity, and achieve business goals. His team comprises sales, service, and customer success experts who leverage their industry-specific knowledge to empower customers to achieve more. A seasoned technology leader and adept at driving transformational change, Chris has nearly 23 years of experience at Microsoft and has held leadership roles in sales and marketing for both Enterprise and Partner Groups in the U.S., Canada, and globally. Chris has also served as the Chief Operating Officer for Microsoft’s Industry Solutions business, where he developed strategies to maximize impact for top industry accounts and scaled solutions through partner ecosystems and worldwide sales teams. Most recently, he served as President of Microsoft Canada, leading a team dedicated to delivering transformative outcomes for Canadians. Chris is passionate about driving meaningful and lasting relationships, building diverse and inclusive teams, and driving positive organizational outcomes. He believes culture is a powerful differentiator and delivering outstanding customer service requires leadership that emphasizes achievement, impeccable service, and problem-solving through autonomy and inventiveness. Chris serves on the Board of Directors for Toronto Global and splits his time between Seattle and Washington, D.C. Outside of work, he enjoys fly fishing, photography and boating.