Information security and information privacy, while related, encompass different details, especially for higher education institutions. Data security, focused on protecting data from malicious attacks, does not go as far as data privacy, focused on how data is shared, used, and communicated with others. Prior literature and research suggest higher education institutions struggle to protect data privacy in information systems, especially given the desire to incorporate big data in operations and decision making. While data collection methods for big data analytics in higher education continue to be addressed, a gap may exist in the rules governing the analysis and use of collected data. This qualitative multiple-case study research interviewed nine participants across six small and medium-sized private colleges, as classified by the Carnegie Classification, seeking to understand what motivated information technology leaders to implement information governance, as well as how they implemented information governance. This study found information technology leaders are motivated to implement governance to achieve compliance with multiple regulatory requirements and aid in advancing the mission and objectives of their institution. Functionally, information technology leaders implemented governance by working with key institutional stakeholders, including executives, functional experts, and system users, as well as fostering a collaborative environment focused on achieving common goals. Practically, this study provides a focus on methods information technology leaders at small to medium institutions can use to implement governance, as well as how institutions may build policies and practices to protect student privacy in big data information systems. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]