Author: Maya Mishra
Maya is a student employee with Technology Services.
When you think of campus and its tons of wireless access points, security cameras and various electrical systems, you probably picture technicians, engineers and complex technology that’s hard to wrap your mind around. While that’s mostly true, none of it is able to happen without the people who make sure that everything financially is taken care of. Without the bills being paid and the projects being funded, none of the technology that we take for granted would exist.
Enter Connie Ludwig: A business and finance specialist for Technology Services. Since 2011, Connie has played a key role in keeping the financial and operational gears turning with her duties lying from simple purchasing and billing all the way up to the stress of managing installation costs for thousands of devices across campus. Her dedication and deep institutional knowledge has helped to ensure that everything tech can continue without a hitch.
We interviewed Connie to learn more about her work, her journey through Tech Services and a few fun facts that go beyond the finances.
When did you start the role at Tech Services, and what positions have you held?
I started with Tech Services in October of 2011. I was hired as assignments clerk at Communication Installation & Maintenance Systems, then was promoted to ITTA Specialist for Service Request Management, then was promoted to Student Operations Coordinator for Instructional Computing Services, which then brings to my most current role business/finance specialist.
Describe your role at Tech Services.
I do day-to-Day tasks of a Business Office: purchasing, travel planning/reimbursement, making sure the bills get paid, etc., but my individual focus is the installation costs and monthly billing for the 3,000 security cameras and 13,500 wireless access points that Tech Services provides for campus. I also administrate Right-Fax.
I feel like the business office is the behind-the-scenes kind of job that makes it easier for the technicians and the network engineers to keep campus safe and efficient.What is the best thing about your current role?
The customer service I get to bring to a diverse group of amazing colleagues.
What do you feel like has been one of your biggest accomplishments in this role?
I have been given the privilege to hold several positions with Tech Services. It has given me so much knowledge of technology and how it works. I can show my kids how to work their phone…LOL
What’s one piece of insight about technology that you have learned?
There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to create the magic of technology.
What is one hobby that you have outside of work?
I love to travel and I love live music.
Best musical genre?
I like them all, but mainly anything that makes you want to get up and dance!
Fun fact about yourself
Not a big planner…Like to take things as they come. I love road trips with no itinerary.
If you could meet anybody in the world, who would it be and why?
Kevin Bacon or Madonna, they seem like they would be fun to hang out with.
“Behind the Screens” is a series of stories highlighting a different member of Technology Services each month so that you can get to know who we are and what we do for our university.