LSUS Degree: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in 1983
How I got to LSUS: I started college in 1967 in Houston, but did not do well. After several detours and four years in the Navy, I decided I needed to go back to school and finish my degree. My parents lived here in Shreveport and offered me a place to live until I got on my feet. I wasted no time.
Fond memories of LSUS: I was in my thirties when I returned to school, so I fit in well with the majority of students. I enjoyed making friends and becoming involved in school activities.
LSUS faculty who helped me: Dr. Don Smith, Dr. Stuart Mills and Dr. Carlos Spaht were a few of the faculty who made a big impact on my education.
What I do now: I am the IT manager for the department of neurosurgery at LSU Health Science Center. I am part of the department management team.
About my job: I implement and manage electronic medical records for the department, assist faculty, residents and research doctors with data analysis for their research projects, train medical students and staff on the use of our medical software, manage the departments’ hardware and software needs and anything else the department needs me to do!
Advice to college-bound students: Be open to all possibilities. Listen to what others with more experience have to say even if you don't think it applies to you.
Advice to someone who wants to enter my field: The IT field is very broad. Try to speak with people in different facets and see what they do.
Tips on choosing a major or career: Do what you love and your career will become clear to you. Don't be in a big hurry to decide. You have time. I changed my mind several times before I realized what my true calling was.
I've learned this from life: Never underestimate what you are capable of achieving. You might surprise yourself. It is much better to be kind than to be right. You never know what hardships someone else might be facing.
What I'd be doing if I had all the time in the world: I would be doing something creative outside with animals and playing golf...lots of golf.
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