Alexander Aston Zapata
Director of IT & Data Strategy
Operations
As the Director of IT & Data Strategy at the University of Kentucky International Center (UKIC), Alexander Aston Zapata provides strategic leadership in the development and oversight of the International Center’s data infrastructure and technology systems. Aston Zapata’s primary responsibilities include designing and maintaining a comprehensive data architecture that supports institutional reporting, internal reporting, strategic assessment, and evidence-based decision-making. Aston Zapata leads a cross-functional data management team representing multiple UKIC units to ensure data consistency, integrity, and alignment with university-wide standards.
In addition to data responsibilities, Aston Zapata manages UKIC’s website, ensuring alignment with the university’s brand standards and modern web development practices. This includes overseeing content strategy, functionality, analytics, and digital marketing integration in collaboration with the UKIC's Communications and Marketing team.
Committed to continuous improvement and innovation, Aston Zapata actively engages with emerging technologies, national trends in international education, and modern data visualization and automation tools—leveraging platforms such as Tableau (Desktop and Prep) and the Microsoft Power Platform (including Power Automate and Power Apps) to enhance data-driven decision-making, streamline workflows, and improve organizational efficiency.
Alexander Aston Zapata holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems with minors in Spanish and Music from Kentucky Wesleyan College. Prior to his appointment at the University of Kentucky, Aston Zapata was a software developer at Sun Windows in Owensboro, KY.