I've been at Drew since 1993. I started as a Systems Manager, became Assistant Director of Academic Technology in 1996, and in May of 2003 was made Director of Computing and Network Services. CNS is designed to support the technology infrastructure needs of the entire University, by demonstrating that top-notch technical support and reliable technical infrastructure are the embodiment of excellent customer service.
Students at Drew are required to have a standard laptop computer, and of course have network access from their rooms, in class, and in public spaces. The faculty decided way back in 1984 that giving students access to the same technology as each other, and the same technology that faculty themselves use, was the best way to teach and prepare students for the real world. Subsequent assessments and surveys on the Computer Initiative bear this out, as well as the trend started at Drew that other universities are still following. I've personally been involved in talking to other schools about their own ubiquitous computing initiatives, as well as writing a few papers on the subject.
My professional interests are varied, but this year I am focusing on how organizations like mine are influenced and shaped by the intellectual climate at a small liberal arts university, and what lessons about IT management can be learned and brought to the world at large.
If you're an IT director at a liberal arts college, please fill out my survey.
--Mike
Other links: