CITC News

Recently I moved into the role of Acting Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer. I am very appreciative of the confidence that Dr. Rawlins has entrusted to me. I also realize the importance of this position and of information technology at the University of North Texas (UNT) at this point in history.

As a 19 year veteran of the university and CITC, I have a broad understanding of the workings of both. There is still much for me to learn, however, about the nearly 70 information technology services provided by CITC to UNT and other components of the university system as well as the many IT services provided by organizations outside of CITC. Currently I am meeting with CITC staff to get a more detailed understanding of the services we provide. Further, I want to have similar discussions with the non-CITC IT organizations at UNT and other system components to learn how CITC can support their missions and collaborate on common challenges going forward.

This is a transformational time for information technology both at UNT and within universities nationwide. In the UNT System, and in many other systems and universities, a shared service initiative is under way to enhance collaboration and sharing of services across the system with an eye toward increasing efficiency and services across the system without increasing costs. Information technology and human resources are the early focus of this initiative. A system CIO is being recruited that will serve as the focal point of the information technology transformation. Beyond the UNT System, technology is continually becoming more critical to the mission and the transformation of universities. The expansion and evolution of alternative methods for delivering instruction through distance learning and other technologies such as lecture capture continue unabated. Services to students will be delivered anytime, anywhere and anyhow as more content is pushed to mobile devices. Analytical capabilities will be enhanced to improve measurement of effectiveness but just as important to support data mining to enhance recruitment and retention efforts. As UNT moves toward tier 1 research status, enhancement of research administrative functions as well as continued provision of computing resources will be critical.

These are exciting challenges. No one in information technology will be bored as the demands will continue to exceed the resources. Careful governance is required to be sure that information resources are concentrated on the projects that most closely align with the strategic plan of the university while never losing sight of the fact that a significant effort is required to "keep the lights on" -- i.e., supporting and enhancing existing services.

In closing, I want to express my appreciation to Maurice Leatherbury who had this role for the previous five years. Thanks to his stewardship and leadership of CITC through a dynamic period, I have inherited an outstanding organization composed of talented and committed folks who are dedicated to UNT and the other components of the UNT System. We welcome the challenges going forward.

John Hooper

The Computing and Information Technology Center will hold a silent auction of photographs by Maurice Leatherbury, Acting Vice President for Information Technology, on Friday April 23rd. The proceeds from the sale of 114 photographs will go towards the CITC’s local account, to pay for refreshments at CITC’s “town hall” meetings etc. The auction will be held in the hallway at Discovery Park outside the CITC (room E201,) will begin at 12:00 PM and will end promptly at 3:30 PM. Winners of the auction must pay for and pick up their photographs by 5:00 on the day of the auction: cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted.

The photographs are mounted on foam core or are framed and may be previewed by viewing the PDF located at http://citc.unt.edu/files/SilentAuctionPhotoListingApril2010.pdf

The CITC has developed a strategic directions document that provides to
the campus the overall shape of future services and products that the
CITC expects to be providing over the next five years, and can be found at
http://citc.unt.edu/files/strategicPLanLayout_FINAL.pdf

The Computing and Information Technology Center at the University of North Texas is growing at an explosive rate and we’re looking for skilled IT professionals who want to join us in creating information systems that serve one of the largest universities in the state as well as the nation. Come join our diverse and socially inclusive teams specializing in the entire spectrum of enterprise systems technologies. We have opportunities that will let you utilize your unique skills and perspectives as you work with leading edge technologies at our rapidly-growing university.

Located in historic Denton, Texas, UNT is the flagship campus for the UNT System. Denton is positioned close to the thriving Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and was recently named by a national periodical as the “new Austin” because of its large and vibrant music scene. Residents enjoy easy access to a large number of recreational, social, and arts activities in the community, at the two state universities situated in the town, and within a 45-minute drive to the large and diverse social, cultural, and shopping complexes in Dallas and Ft. Worth.

UNT and the CITC offer competitive salaries, state benefits, a tuition reduction benefit, and a pleasant and exciting working environment. The CITC occupies a newly-renovated facility with most of its employees having private offices. And unique for universities, CITC employees have ample parking space!

With the increasing growth of UNT’s student population and programs, the Computing and Information Technology Center is actively recruiting for the following positions:

➢ Programmer Analysts
➢ Oracle Database Administrators
➢ Computer Systems Managers
➢ Data Communications Managers and Analysts
➢ Computer Support Specialists

Several vacancies are available in these areas and others. For more information or to create an on-line application, go to the https://jobs.unt.edu website, select Computing & Info Tech Center in the Department drop-down list, then click the Search button. If you have any questions about exploring the possibilities in our organization, send an email to eistrn@unt.edu.

The University of North Texas is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.