ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University's chief information officer -- responsible for the operation and security of campus computer systems -- stepped down today in the wake of hacking incidents involving major data thefts.

William Sams, also OU's associate provost for information technology, will resign once his successor is hired, which is expected by early October, OU officials announced today.

In a statement, Sams said he tendered his resignation because it "has become clear to me that a new energy level and skill set is going to be required to allow our (information technology) organization to realize its potential."