May 10, 2005 issue
I have always been in the information technology area. I was in the corporate world at General Motors and Electronic Data Systems (EDS), and self-employed as a consultant in New York. I came to Eastern 15 years ago to broaden my horizons and get into academia.
I worked in University Computing, now ICT, for 12 years where I coordinated the installation of cabling infrastructure for network connections throughout campus. In the process, I met many people including many students. Three years ago, I became the technology buyer for the computer store.
Interacting with students keeps me at the University. I like to introduce technology to them. They're like sponges.
But, students also keep me abreast of the latest developments in technology. They let me know about what they just saw, what they need and what they're having problems with.
I have a staff of five students in the store and they are my assets. They tell me about bleeding-edge hardware, software, networking, peripherals and accessories.
Occasionally, someone will inquire about a product with which I am unfamiliar, but I can almost always place a special order.
Whatever is trendiest and academically priced is in the store. If the technology is too expensive, I wait until the price point comes down to stock it.
The difference between working at EMU's computer store and an outside retail outlet is they push technology while I support the technology that ICT implements. Since the computer store only sells to students, staff and faculty, we want them to be completely happy with our customer service.
In the future, I'm looking forward to the new student center. It will house a new computer store that will be quite a technology showplace. We'll have more floor space, additional displays and expanded inventory. And, of course, there will be more students.
