Organizations often have a department that becomes a target of blame for many problems. Information Technology (IT) frequently fills this role. Employees may wish for perfect technology delivered promptly without constraints, but this ideal scenario doesn’t reflect reality. Like other departments, IT operates within limitations of policy, investment and capability. The department must work with finite resources, including money, personnel and time, to achieve optimal results for the institution.

Our goal is to transform into a partner and enabler of collective future goals. However, IT is often viewed as an obstacle rather than a group of dedicated individuals who embrace the university’s mission.

Meet Devin Ogle

Devin Ogle has led the desktop deployment team for information technology at Missouri S&T for two and a half years. His journey in technology began early as the go-to IT guy for his family.

“Technology and computers come easy to me,” Ogle says, reflecting on his natural affinity for complex systems. This innate ability, coupled with eight years in the cell phone industry, sharpened his problem-solving skills, which he now applies daily to IT challenges at S&T.

Those problem-solving skills shine in projects like the makers studio in the Innovation Lab. In partnership with makers studio director Matthew Dalton,  he designed and installed computers tailored to the lab’s unique equipment, showcasing IT’s role in advancing educational spaces.

“I had never built computers for a space like this before. Seeing all the equipment come together and be used by our students is very rewarding,” Ogle says.

Ogle holds an associate degree in information technology from Southern New Hampshire University. A friend recommended S&T, praising the work environment. Ogle says mentoring is the most rewarding part of his job. “Seeing the people I lead, especially student workers, learn and improve is incredibly fulfilling.” He has witnessed rapid technological changes, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). “Two years ago, AI was barely talked about. Now it’s everywhere,” he observes. To stay current on technology, Ogle relies on team collaboration. “We have a team-sharing culture. Everyone shares what they know and new things they have learned,” he says.

Ogle aims to dispel misconceptions about IT, and explains that decisions like restricting administrator rights are driven by security compliance, not personal preference. Though there are times his team may not be able to fix the problem, they prioritize the user experience and provide the best service possible.

Outside work, Ogle enjoys video games, spends time with his wife, Britney, and three cats and considers himself a whiskey connoisseur.