Jon-Paul Estrada is a seasoned digital leader with over 25 years of experience in web design, front-end development, UX/UI, accessibility, and digital strategy. He currently serves as the Director of Web Experience Innovation and Technical Operations in the Office of Public Affairs at Rice University, where he leads initiatives that define the university’s digital identity and elevate its global presence.
At the forefront of web development innovation, Jon-Paul is driving the adoption of modern, high-performance technologies across Rice’s digital ecosystem. His leadership in implementing platforms and frameworks such as CloudCannon, Astro, and Tailwind CSS has enabled the creation of scalable, responsive, and future-ready websites that meet the evolving needs of a global academic audience. He is also a dedicated champion of A11y (accessibility) standards, ensuring inclusive design is embedded across all university web platforms.
Jon-Paul spearheads the ongoing development and phased rollout of the Rice University Design System—a strategic initiative to promote brand consistency, accessibility compliance, and performance optimization across a decentralized web landscape.
Over his two and a half decades at Rice, Jon-Paul has held various progressive leadership roles, including Director of Web Development and Digital Strategy, Associate Director, and Assistant Director. In each role, he has guided cross-functional teams in delivering user-centered, strategically aligned digital solutions that support the university’s mission and goals.
Beyond his departmental leadership, Jon-Paul contributes to institutional strategy through his roles on the Rice IT Administrative Committee, the Strategic Accessibility Committee, and Vice Chair of the Digital Information Accessibility Steering Committee, where he helps align technology initiatives with accessibility-first practices and long-term digital transformation.
As a long-standing member of HighEdWeb and EDUCAUSE, Jon-Paul remains at the forefront of higher education web innovation, combining technical excellence with a commitment to inclusive, impactful digital experiences.