Author: Mazen Morrar
Mazen is a student employee with Technology Services.
When you log into a campus system, access shared files or connect to wireless in a classroom, you probably are not thinking about where that technology lives or who makes sure it stays online. Most of us only notice infrastructure when something goes wrong. But behind those everyday digital moments are the university’s data centers. Inside them are critical systems that power learning, research, communication and security across campus. Keeping those systems stable requires constant monitoring, preparation and attention to detail.
Micah Reeley, Data Center Operations Specialist with Technology Services, plays a key role in maintaining that stability. Since joining Tech Services in May 2023, his responsibilities have expanded to supervising data center maintenance and coordinating work that ensures facilities remain fully operational. From overseeing environmental conditions to scheduling installations and infrastructure needs, his work helps safeguard the systems the campus community relies on every day.
We spoke with Micah about his role, the complexity of data center operations and what it takes to keep critical infrastructure running behind the scenes.
When did you join Tech Services, and how has your role developed since you started?
I joined Tech Services in May of 2023. Since I started, my role has expanded to supervising Data Center Maintenance and scheduling work orders for data center or building needs that may arise.
As a Data Center Operations Specialist, what does your day- to- day work typically involve?
My day-to-day work involves checking each data center to make sure they are operating normally and that there are no issues. I also complete any tickets that come in. These requests can range from users asking to have machines installed at ACB or HAB, machines being removed or additional network connections being added for existing machines.
What do you enjoy most about working in data center operations?
I enjoy the variable complexity of the job. Very few tickets are the same or use the same hardware. It is fun to learn how you have to install or remove the various machines that clients use.
Is there a project, challenge, or accomplishment in this role that you are especially proud of?
I assisted the team with a project to connect our generator to the building and get it operational. It was a project several years in the making, and I am proud to have been able to assist in its completion.
What is something people might not realize about what it takes to keep campus systems running behind the scenes?
Our data centers house many critical university components, and it is the job of the Data Center Operations Team to keep them in operation. That includes maintaining the appropriate temperature and ensuring power is always available, with a backup source if necessary. If maintenance needs to be performed on the rooms or any of their support systems, it must be scheduled months in advance to give all clients time to prepare for any outage.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I am a bit of a homebody. I enjoy working on my personal computer, upgrading and maintaining it. I also enjoy cooking and baking.
What kind of music do you usually listen to?
I listen to all types of music, but I primarily listen to pop, country and folk.
What is a fun fact about yourself that most people would not know?
I do not play anymore, but I am a jazz percussionist.
If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?
If I could meet anyone from any time period, I would like to meet Johnny Cash.
“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.