I never meant to stay 15 years. It just happened. When I started there were 15 computers and 15 users on campus. As I leave, there are almost 400 workstations for faculty, staff, and student users. There were 2 machines with dial-up Internet access in 1995. Today most user services are in the Cloud or out hosted, fiber connects all twelve buildings, and thirteen servers are maintained on-site. 2010-2011 marks the first full year of using an online student information system in all three divisions to handle records, allow parents to make real time changes, and allow teachers to maintain their grade books from anywhere. Professional development training classes, along with custom instructional videos are available for faculty and parents. A daily Helpdesk phone service allows for personal interaction for those who need it. Despite watching my budget cut over the last five years, the IT department was always able to provide more services for users, year after year. Leaving it a better place than I found it is a good feeling.
All this does not happen without a great staff and over the years, I have been blessed with the best. I can truly say those who work for me are fine people and wonderful employees. They are team players, compassionate towards their co-workers, take pride in their work and have integrity. All are willing to learn new things, cope with change, and understand the sacrifices needed to provide great customer service. No one at Sanford does it better.
Dave May, network admin supreme, RenWeb sys admin, and one of the finest people I know. Dave is the guy you want near you in an emergency. He is calm, competent, and caring (and he loves walkie-talkies). FISH FEAR HIM!
John Foltz kept us in line, took delight in tracking details, and entered endless amounts of data to keep things current. There would be no K-2 lunch program or last year's summer emailing without him. John never hesitated to help or do any job presented to him. A fantastic professional photographer, wine connoisseur, and friend.
Amanda Heberton remains with Dave to keep things running. Amanda is all business, runs the Helpdesk, manages purchasing, and helps with professional development. She is a Cookie Diva and rumors are circulating that she will be leaving Sanford IT soon for a career in flat track roller derby! Here she poses with Crowella De Vil of the Charm City Roller Girls. She plans to join just as soon as she learns to skate...
To my very first assistant, Jen Nightengale, thank you for all your hard work, wonderful attitude, willingness to try anything, and above all, your friendship. It was my privilege to work with many fine techies over years, including Kathy Daum, Nate Knisley, Tristan Hoffmann, and Fran Petersen. There was no shortage of students who made a mark on my life either such as Keegan, Ricky, Dan, Win, Alvaro, Nolan, and Obie. Thank you all for enriching my life.
