Brian's Page
Well, here we are in Tallahassee, Fl! I really didn't know what to expect, how long I'd be here or what this new environment would bring me...was I in for a surprise! I work for a department at Florida State University (FSU) called Academic & Professional Program Services (APPS). APPS is not a small department; we are a revenue generating business as well as a campus wide resource. Over time many division or groups that need a home usually fall into APPS domain. We house Blackboard, the campus educational portal for faculty, staff and students alike, FSU online, Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), Center for Assessment and Testing (CAT), Center for Professional Development (CPD) and last, but definitely not least, FSU Conferencing.
The conferencing component is the most important right now considering in October we will be moving into our new, 47,000 square foot conferencing center, where we have a $650,00.00 technology budget. This center will put FSU on the map as one of the most technologically advanced buildings in the US (at least for the next 3 to 6 months :)). To see the building, watch a flash intro to the new space, and see the construction process click here.
I have also picked up extra time with a second department on campus, the Learning Systems Institute (LSI). This is a part-time gig for 15 to 25 hours per week. They had to let go of their Systems Administrator so I'm filling in the gap till they can hire a new one. I really enjoy the work and the ability to help clean up both APPS and LSI. It seems that leaving things for a rainy day is a habit of a lot of tech groups on campus. I have learned much about the virtual world and am excited for the opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint a bit, moving the physical to the virtual. If you don't know what that means, drop me a line and I'd love to explain it to you! :)
Like Sara, I have a business on the side. Mine is called BatchTechnologies (BT). I offer web design, web hosting, IT consulting services, virtual hosting and a DNS service. I have a few good clients and Sara keeps me busy with her businesses as well. I'm working on one day BT being my vehicle for the future, but for now I'm happy in my skin.
Finally, we are having a baby!!! Wow, I sill can't hardly believe it...someone is going to call me "daddy." Still is a bit hard to imagine that at 36 I will father my first child and start molding a mind to hopefully grow to be a wonderful person. As you well know, everyone has all kinds of advice for Sara and I about birthing, raising and nurturing this life. I think with both of our backgrounds and the wonderful influences from great mothers and fathers over the years, we'll do just fine.