CIT Annual Conference 2026

Catch up with colleagues over a light breakfast in the SFHB Atrium area (basement level).

Discussing Zero Days Before Day Zero (SFHB 356)

With the advent of AI, weaponization of vulnerabilities and rapid time-to-exploit (TTE) are becoming a more prevalent threat, leaving defenders with increasingly less time to patch information technology systems. Already today, average TTE for exploited vulnerabilities is well under 24h, and the trend of quicker TTE will only worsen with stronger AI models and more efficient automation of AI models by attackers. This session will be a group discussion on keeping ISU's systems patched and secure with available system tools and within our capacity constraints.

• Joey Brown
  Joey, Illinois State University's Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (DCISO), is a veteran security professional with decades of experience in government and commercial information systems. As DCISO, he leads a team of dedicated professionals who conduct risk assessments, manage security incidents, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Joey wants everyone at ISU to be safe, secure, and to stop clicking on every link they see.

• Matt Lindstrom
  Matt Lindstrom is the University's Information Security Operations Manager within the Information Security Office (ISO). With a strong background in cybersecurity, he leads the University's Security Operations Center (SOC) and matures our collective security posture through the development of Information Security Standards. Matt is tasked with the development, implementation, and maintenance of information security controls, reporting, and solutions in alignment with the institution's Information Security Program.

When the Storm Hits: How ISU Departments Are Planning for the Unplannable (SFHB 139)

When a winter storm shuts down campus, a cyberattack disrupts critical systems, or an unexpected event renders a building unusable, how does Illinois State University continue to fulfill its core mission of teaching, research, and student success? The answer lies in preparation—and that preparation is actively underway across campus through both Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and IT Disaster Recovery (DR) initiatives.  This session provides an overview of ISU's campus-wide University Continuity Program and IT Disaster Recovery planning. While business continuity focuses on maintaining essential services and operations during a disruption, disaster recovery focuses on restoring technology systems and infrastructure based on risk, business impact, and recovery priorities. Together, these disciplines create a more resilient institution capable of sustaining operations and recovering effectively from unexpected events.

Key areas of focus include how departments are documenting their ability to maintain core operations such as instruction, advising, recruitment, and administrative functions; establishing redundant communication channels when primary systems are unavailable; and mapping dependencies on technology, personnel, facilities, and vendors. Whether your unit has already begun planning or is just getting started, this session offers practical insight into the BCP process framework being used across campus, real examples of how departments are approaching their unique planning challenges, and lessons learned along the way. Come prepared to think differently about resilience—because the best time to plan for a crisis is well before one arrives.

• Laura Fox

  Laura Fox serves as the Interim Assistant Director of Emergency Management at Illinois State University following 11 years in administrative support with Illinois State University Police. She brings more than 20 years of multidisciplinary professional experience spanning nonprofit administration and public safety. During Emergency Operations Center activations, Laura serves as Situation Unit Leader, leading efforts to collect, analyze, and communicate situational information in support of incident decision-making. She earned her undergraduate degree from Illinois State University and holds a Master of Science in Public Safety Administration from Southern Illinois University.

• Craig Jackson
  With over 20 years of experience in Information Technology, Craig has been a dedicated member of the Illinois State University community for nearly a decade (bottom line: he’s old). He currently serves as the Executive Director of Technology Infrastructure & Research Computing (TIRC) and greatly enjoys working with the excellent team of IT professionals focused on supporting students, faculty, staff, and other IT partners across the University. TIRC encompasses six critical functional areas: Enterprise Architecture; Cloud, Compute and Automation Services; Unified Communications; Technology Facilities Management; and Networking Services. Our infrastructure responsibilities allow us to work with IT staff from other areas to provide resilient services to meet the needs of the campus community.
• Rachal Roach
  Rachal serves as the Assistant Director in TIRC for Networking and Technology Facilities Management. She brings over 20 years of experience at Illinois State University. In addition to leading networking and TFM, she chairs the Disaster Recovery Advisory Board and is responsible for developing the Office of Technology Solutions’ Business Continuity Plan. Rachal is a proud graduate of Eastern Illinois University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems/Networking and a Master of Science in Computer Technology.

One App to Rule Them All: Modernizing Campus Communications with Teams Voice (SFHB 133)

Communication is the backbone of everything we do at Illinois State University — from advising a student in distress to coordinating a research team across buildings. Yet for years, our voice services have operated in a separate silo, disconnected from the tools we use every day. That's about to change. We are modernizing our voice infrastructure with Teams Voice, bringing phone, chat, and video collaboration together into a single, unified communications platform — one that faculty and staff already have on their desktops, browsers, and mobile devices.

This session introduces the Teams Voice initiative, exploring both what it means for the campus community and how we're making the transition as smooth as possible. For end users, the shift is transformative: no more juggling separate applications or hunting down a desk phone. Teams Voice delivers a feature-rich experience that exceeds the capabilities of our current voice service and accessible wherever work happens. For the Unified Communications team and IT staff, the benefits are equally compelling: fewer systems to maintain, reduced operational complexity, and better alignment with our existing Microsoft 365 A5 investment. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of the Teams Voice service and its features, the campus rollout and migration process, available training resources and knowledge articles, and physical device options for those who prefer a traditional handset experience. One app. One experience. Every device.

• Mike Gibson
  Mike is the Manager of the Unified Communications Team at Illinois State University, where he brings over 32 years of dedicated service to campus technology operations. Throughout his tenure at ISU, Mike has held a variety of technical roles, including Network Specialist and UNIX Administrator, building deep expertise across core infrastructure and communications systems. Prior to joining Illinois State University, Mike served as an Avionics Specialist in the United States Air Force from 1990 to 1994. His military background helped establish the strong technical foundation and discipline that have defined his long and impactful career in higher education IT. He holds a BS in Telecommunications - Applied Computer Science from ISU.

• Jesse Huffman
  Jesse is a Knowledge and Training Specialist at Illinois State University, where he supports the development of training programs and knowledge resources that enhance the effectiveness of campus technology services. Since joining ISU in 2023, Jesse has progressed from Technology Support Analyst to his current role, demonstrating a strong commitment to continuous improvement, user support, and organizational learning. In his current position, Jesse focuses on creating and delivering training content, improving documentation, and helping ensure that technical knowledge is accessible and actionable for IT staff and campus users alike. Prior to his work at ISU, Jesse built a solid foundation in IT support and systems troubleshooting through roles as an Internet Support Analyst at State Farm and as a Computer Technician with Advanced Technology Recycling (ATR),where he spent several years developing hands-on technical expertise. Jesse holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Technology Administration and Management from Western Governors University.

Don’t Be Greedy: Sharing the Power of Network Automation with Everyone (SFHB 147)

Automation is an incredibly powerful thing. With nearly everything being connected, network automation is vital. We’ve been working hard at automating our own processes, but we thought it’d be a bit selfish if we stopped there.  We’ve automated switch provisioning, port configurations and changes, health reports, software upgrades, and more. Through building those tools, we realized we can give some of that power to the user. We've already built some user-driven tools, and we'd love to build more. Come see what we’ve done, and bring ideas for what we can build next.

• Michael Adams
  Michael has been with Telecom/Networking at ISU for over 15 years. Over the last 10 years he has been slowly building automation into the network. Starting with scripts for mass config changes and backups, then moving to building API's for scalability, and eventually to building a home-grown zero touch provisioning (ZTP) environment, it's been a journey. Along that journey, he realized that network automation doesn't need to stay with just the networking team, and is now ready to bring network automation to you.

Break! Take a few minutes to recharge between sessions. Any goodies left over from the Networking Breakfast can be found in the Atrium.

IT News features the latest announcements and news from campus technology leaders. The annual CIT MVP Award recipient will also be announced during IT News. This award recognizes a full-time IT staff member who has made outstanding contributions to the support of faculty, staff, students, and operations over the previous fiscal year.  IT News is held in SFHB 139 - CAT Auditorium.

Break! Take a few minutes to recharge between sessions.

Digital Accessibility Update: Progress, Resources, and What’s Next (SFHB 133)

This session will provide an update on campus accessibility initiatives. Attendees will learn about tools and resources available to support accessible digital content, current remediation and governance efforts, and what faculty and staff can expect leading up to the new compliance deadline of April 26, 2027. The presentation will also share practical approaches, training resources, and campus support services to help faculty and staff incorporate accessibility more easily and consistently into their everyday work.

• Ethan Edwards
  Ethan is an Accessibility and Usability Graduate Assistant with Illinois State University’s Web and Interactive Communications team. In this role, he works alongside the university’s accessibility coordinator to test software used on campus, evaluate technology being considered for purchase, and help ensure that digital campus resources are accessible for everyone. Ethan’s passion for accessibility is shaped by his lived experience as someone who is blind. He understands firsthand the role technology can play in creating greater independence and equal access. For Ethan, accessible technology has helped to level the playing-field with sighted peers. Ethan believes accessibility should be considered from the beginning, not added as an afterthought, and that accessible technology ultimately creates a better experience for everyone.

• Sarah Schafer
  Sarah is the Associate Director of Student Access and Accommodation Services. Throughout her 28 year career within the department, Sarah remains steadfast in her passion for providing support, service coordination, advocacy, and accommodations to students with disabilities in various fields of study across the university. In addition, Sarah regularly provides trainings, presentations and assistance to faculty and staff in promoting the awareness of disability issues, ensuring equal access and universal design of courses, and increasing knowledge of accessibility across campus.
• Stephanie Wilson
  Stephanie joined the Center for Integrated Professional Development as Instructional Designer in December of 2022. She has been in the training and development field for nearly 20 years, working in corporate and higher education. For the last 10 years she has worked as a consultant and designer for Earlham College, McHenry County College, and Northwestern University. She plays a critical role in the development of online and hybrid programs and in the strategic expansion of digital and distance education at Illinois State University. Stephanie has focused on universal design and ensuring accessibility for as many students as possible. Stephanie earned her bachelor's degree from Illinois State University, and her master's degree in training and development from Roosevelt University.

What Magic Items To Put In Your Leadership Bag of Holding: A D&D Themed Leadership Skill Review! (SFHB 356)

Welcome Travelers, Rogues, Warriors, and Bards! We return to the realm of Redbirdia where there are Dungeons deep and adventures bold! However, before we embark on yet another tale of dangers and myth you must be ready to lead your party into misty hollows and haunted ruins! What Magic Items will you place in your Leadership Bag of Holding? How will you be worthy of decisions made in peril and haste? What preparation, potions, and proficiencies will serve you best against dark gods and devil princes? We will talk through what skills you need to level up in order to be the leader your party requires...for legend...adventure...and danger...await!

• Joey Brown
  Joey, Illinois State University's Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (DCISO), is a veteran security professional with decades of experience in government and commercial information systems. As DCISO, he leads a team of dedicated professionals who conduct risk assessments, manage security incidents, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Joey wants everyone at ISU to be safe, secure, and to stop clicking on every link they see.
• Jeff Grabb
  Jeff came to the Illinois State community as a transfer student in 1997 and earned a BS (1999) and a MS (2007) from the School of Communication. Jeff joined the ISU professional staff in 2002 and eventually transferred to the College of Business as the Director of Technology and Facilities where he worked with Facilities, media production, and infrastructure. In the Spring of 2022, Jeff became the Director of Learning Spaces and Audio Visual Technologies (LSAVT) for Illinois State, taking on campus-wide support of classrooms, conference rooms, and public spaces. Jeff and LSAVT have worked on numerous campus projects including classroom renovations, building projects, and simulation spaces. Jeff is also an adjunct professor for the Business Information Systems, teaching systems analysis/design. Jeff’s research interests and community service efforts focus on multimedia, support of faculty and students in education, leadership development in Higher Ed IT, and diversity in IT.

New Employee Onboarding - IT Processes & Workflows (SFHB 147)

New employee onboarding is a critical set of processes that, when done well, provides supervisors with the foundation to start training and the new employee with an immediate sense of belonging and confidence in their decision to join our organization. When it doesn't go well, it creates frustration and delays that could linger for days or weeks. Onboarding has several stages, each handled by different areas. This session will focus on improving IT onboarding, with an emphasis on improving the ServiceNow new-employee onboarding request form and the workflows behind it. Other parts of IT onboarding are on the table for discussion with the goals of establishing standards, sharing best practices, and improving the user experience. 

• Tyler Piper
  Tyler serves as the Director of IT Service Management in Client Services within the Office of Technology Solutions. He has supported the Illinois State University community since 2013, leading the Service Management Office, Technology Support Center, and Knowledge & Training team. As the ServiceNow IT Service Management platform owner, he focuses on continuously improving operational workflows and IT support experiences.

The New Infrastructure Layer: People, Process, and Partnership in Endpoint Configuration Management (SFHB 139)

As our environment grows more complex, traditional approaches to enterprise endpoint management often struggle to keep pace with institutional needs for security, consistency, and agility. We are implementing a new Endpoint Configuration Management Framework designed to bring structure, transparency, and shared ownership to this critical space. This session will outline the development of a governance-driven model that aligns with established standards, including the CIS Critical Security Controls and the University’s Information Security Office (ISO) configuration management policies. Attendees will gain insight into how standardized workflows for communication, troubleshooting, and feature requests can streamline operations while improving responsiveness and user satisfaction. A key focus is the intentional shift to a matrix-based collaboration model, where responsibilities are distributed across teams using a clearly defined RACI framework. This approach emphasizes shared accountability, cross-functional participation, and the ability for multiple stakeholders to influence the system. Through practical examples, we will demonstrate how aligning governance structures with collaborative operating models creates a more resilient and adaptable endpoint ecosystem. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how to balance control with flexibility, implement clear ownership models, and foster a culture where teams work together to continuously improve endpoint services across campus.

• Seth Engeman
  Seth Engeman is an IT Technical Associate in the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts at Illinois State University. He provides technical support and IT services within the Center for the Visual Arts, supporting faculty, staff, and instructional environments. Seth is actively engaged in cross-unit collaboration and participates in campus IT community discussions and informal knowledge-sharing groups. His roles within this service are to be a member of the testing team so that the features, packages, and mechanics of the endpoint configuration management service are meeting key objectives and making it easier for faculty and staff to have better protected devices.

• Matt Gromer
  Matt Gromer serves as an IT leader within the College of Education, where he supports academic and administrative technology operations. His work focuses on areas such as Mac support, usability and UX, technical writing, and general IT services. Matt serves the product owner for the Jamf service, coordinating the needs of the academic units and recommending priorities that will meet key operational and security needs while also ensuring a better experience for faculty and staff. He previously was part of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts IT team.

• Craig Jackson
  With over 20 years of experience in Information Technology, Craig has been a dedicated member of the Illinois State University community for nearly a decade (bottom line: he’s old). He currently serves as the Executive Director of Technology Infrastructure & Research Computing (TIRC) and greatly enjoys working with the excellent team of IT professionals focused on supporting students, faculty, staff, and other IT partners across the University. TIRC encompasses six critical functional areas: Enterprise Architecture; Cloud, Compute and Automation Services; Unified Communications; Technology Facilities Management; and Networking Services. Our infrastructure responsibilities allow us to work with IT staff from other areas to provide resilient services to meet the needs of the campus community.

• Josh Staton
  Josh Staton is an IT Technical Associate in Technology Solutions, and is currently the TSC Manager. He is working closely on infrastructure and endpoint configuration management efforts, and is taking over the product ownership role for Jamf and SCCM/Intune. He is effectively contributing to this effort supporting campus operations by routing questions and requests appropriately and ensuring information is shared across the service. He is primary for the ongoing technical coordination activities for our endpoint configuration management service.

Pick up your Avanti's lunch outside the Caterpillar Auditorium and then join your colleagues in the basement Atrium. Vegetarian choices will be available, and gluten-free options are available by reservation through registration.

Change: It's Your Move (SFHB 356)

It is often said that change is inevitable. But how we navigate change can vary based on our roles and experiences. Join Josh and J.D. for a facilitated conversation on organizational change. We will focus on what an individual can and cannot influence in a changing environment; and how to thrive during organizational changes. We will discuss strategies and practical actions available to everyone. And we will even talk about where to draw your line in the sand.

Come prepared for a direct and open conversation. We are going to be professional and realistic at the same time. As in previous sessions, we will be following the Chatham House Rule and asking you to consent to a non-attribution environment, so people feel comfortable being candid. If you can't play by these rules, this session is not for you. We are focused on actionable and practical learning that people can take with them after the session. We want you to walk away with tools you can use whatever your role may be.

• J.D. Benson, Lt Col, USAF, Retired
  J.D. has over 30+ years of leadership experience developing teams both within and outside of the military. He was a career Intelligence Office in the USAF with leadership roles from small teams to large organizations. He is currently the manager of the ODTPI Project Management Office.
• Josh Crowder, CDR, USN, Retired
  Josh has 35+ years of leadership experience developing teams both within and outside of the military. He has been a Naval Aviator, Systems Engineer, and a Program Manager in the Navy and industry with leadership roles varying from small teams to leading large organizations. He is currently an ODTPI program manager helping establish the College of Engineering at Illinois State University.

Planning for the Unexpected: Ensuring Team Resilience During Absences (SFHB 147)

When a key team member or leader takes an unexpected leave, how does the organization cope? This engaging discussion-oriented session focuses on proactive planning and preparedness to maintain continuity during unplanned absences. Through the lens of a real recent experience where a director had to step away suddenly, the session will explore how well-designed teams, processes, and practices can ensure coverage and resilience in such scenarios. The ISO will share how their team managed responsibilities during the leave, highlighting the role of cross-training, documentation, and a culture of trust. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own environments, share experiences, and brainstorm strategies for improving readiness. By engaging in this session, attendees will develop a stronger understanding of business continuity planning for personnel gaps and take away practical ideas for building more resilient teams that can thrive even when unexpected challenges arise.

• Joey Brown
  Joey, Illinois State University's Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (DCISO), is a veteran security professional with decades of experience in government and commercial information systems. As DCISO, he leads a team of dedicated professionals who conduct risk assessments, manage security incidents, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Joey wants everyone at ISU to be safe, secure, and to stop clicking on every link they see.
• Dan Taube
  Dan is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Illinois State University, where he leads university-wide efforts in cybersecurity, risk management, governance, and regulatory compliance. During a recent leadership transition, he also served as Interim Chief Information Officer, helping guide technology operations and institutional priorities. Since joining Illinois State University in 2008, Dan has held a variety of technical and leadership positions spanning infrastructure, applications, security, and IT operations. Prior to higher education, he worked as a freelance web developer and IT administrator, building practical experience supporting organizations with diverse technology needs. Dan is a recognized advocate for pragmatic, risk-based security practices that balance protection, usability, and institutional mission. His professional interests include cybersecurity governance, security architecture, vendor risk management, AI governance, and building resilient technology programs within decentralized organizations. He is passionate about helping leaders, technologists, and end users work together to create secure and effective digital environments.

The CIT Session For Kids Who Can't AI Good And Wanna Learn To Do Other Stuff Good Too (SFHB 139)

There is tremendous pressure and interest in using AI tools to support IT operations for making things more efficient. Our staff wants to know how to know how AI can actually be useful vs all of the hype and over-promises. These IT staff will be part of panel discussion about how they are using AI (various instances of Claude) to assist them in their work. How can these tools help me write code? How can they be used to harness an agent to assist other work? We will be discussing and demonstrating how the different versions of an AI tool can be used for experimentation and assisting with work (coding, documentation, etc). This is the precursor to developing a support group for those who are wanting to do more with AI who are open to sharing their projects and what they have learned. 

• Bill Hamann
  

  Bill Hamann is the Senior Assistant Director in Student Affairs Information Technology.  where Bill is responsible for the Systems team and oversees the infrastructure and services that support the Division of Student Affairs. Over the past year, Bill has focused heavily on applied artificial intelligence, exploring how AI can improve productivity, software development, and IT operations. Much of that work has centered on building solutions with Claude Code, using AI-assisted development workflows to accelerate problem solving, automate tasks, and create practical tools for real-world use. Bill enjoys sharing lessons learned from combining traditional systems administration practices with modern AI capabilities to help IT professionals work more effectively and get more done.

• Jordan Harrison
  Jordan is the Associate Director of K-12 Technology in the College of Education.
• Alan Lin
  Alan is an SEO Content Analyst on the WEB & Interactive Communications team.

Embedded, Not Isolated: Building Local Support on a Central IT Foundation (SFHB 133)

As Client Services has streamlined and consolidated support operations across the Technology Support Center and Endpoint Support teams, we've developed a model that balances centralized efficiency with the personalized service customers need. Learn how embedded support staff in EMAS and CEG operate as dedicated resources for their areas while remaining fully integrated into the Endpoint Support team, sharing common practices, standards, training, and backup coverage. We'll discuss how we consolidated first level support for all Endpoint Support customers to the TSC, using shared knowledge, cross-trained student employees, flexible staffing, and a lot of planning to improve resiliency, service continuity, and customer experience.

• Carla Birckelbaw
  Carla is the Executive Director of Client Services in the Office of Technology Solutions, responsible for the Technology Support Center, Knowledge, Incident Coordinator, and Endpoint Support teams, along with a list of side projects that includes measuring IT customer satisfaction.
• Chris Brandt
  Chris manages the Knowledge & Training team in Client Services.
• Katie Klotzbach
  Katie is assistant manager at Endpoint Support, which involves training and supervising the student techs, refining department documentation, as well as collaborating with embedded support teams and other TS departments to support the success of our SEE program.  When not at work she is probably playing video games with her seven year old, (very slowly) working towards her degree in Therapeutic Rec (Sports Management), and managing and occasionally playing for a local hockey team. 
• Tyler Piper
  Tyler serves as the Director of IT Service Management in Client Services within the Office of Technology Solutions. He has supported the Illinois State University community since 2013, leading the Service Management Office, Technology Support Center, and Knowledge & Training team. As the ServiceNow IT Service Management platform owner, he focuses on continuously improving operational workflows and IT support experiences.
• Joe Simpson
  Joe is the Student Supervisor in the Technology Support Center.
• Josh Staton
  Josh manages the Technology Support Center team.
• Richie Szaflarski
  Richie is the Manager of Endpoint Support. He has managed the team since 2021 and has served various other roles within Endpoint Support since joining the team in 2013.

Break! Take a few minutes to recharge between sessions.

School of Grouper (SFHB 139)

Grouper has changed a lot in the recent past, this is a session to talk about what has changed, what is available, and how to do some of it on your own.

• Ben Rappleyea
  Ben Rappleyea is the manager of the Office of Identity and Access Management team. He has been working with this team since 2018 and is always excited to hear about things that people are wanting to do and to see how the OIAM team might be able to help.

No Signal? No Problem: Enhancing Campus Connectivity with Air Pass (SFHB 356)

Reliable cellular connectivity across campus is an increasing expectation for students, faculty, staff, and visitors—but coverage gaps remain a challenge, particularly when in renovated/new spaces. In response, our wireless team has implemented a service to bridge the gap between cellular and campus wireless networks. This session will provide an overview of how the service works, the implementation approach taken by the Wireless Team, and the operational and user experience benefits observed to date. The presenters will also discuss considerations for deployment and constraints. Looking ahead, the session will highlight additional enhancements planned for the campus wireless environment, including targeted improvements to better support Mac users and other evolving client needs. Attendees will gain insight into how ISU is modernizing wireless services to support a more seamless, inclusive, and reliable connectivity experience

• Chris Johnson
  Christopher Johnson is a Wireless Network Engineer in Technology Solutions at Illinois State University, where he plays a key role in the design, maintenance, and support of the university’s wireless infrastructure. As part of the Networking team since 2014, he is one of a small group of engineers responsible for delivering reliable, high-performance wireless connectivity across campus and its remote locations. He began his professional career at State Farm from 2008 to 2010 before returning to ISU, where he served as a Support Analyst in the University Computer Help Desk/Technology Support Center from 2010 to 2014. This frontline support experience informed his user-focused approach to infrastructure design and service delivery. In his current role, Christopher contributes to the ongoing evolution of ISU’s peerless wireless environment, helping ensure secure, scalable, and dependable connectivity for students, faculty, and staff. Christopher is a two-time Illinois State University graduate, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technologies: Industrial Computer Systems in 2006 and a Master’s degree in Technology: Training and Development in 2008.

• Syed Shahid
  

  Syed Shahid is a Wireless Network Engineer in Technology Solutions at Illinois State University, where he contributes to the design, support, and continuous improvement of the campus wireless infrastructure. Since joining ISU in 2023, Syed has played an active role in helping deliver reliable and secure connectivity for students, faculty, staff, and visitors across campus. As part of the Wireless Networking team, Syed is engaged in efforts to enhance performance, expand coverage, and support new technologies that improve the overall user experience across ISU’s wireless ecosystem. Syed holds a bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security from Illinois State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity from the Georgia Institute of Technology. His academic background provides a strong foundation in network security principles, which he applies to modern wireless environments and emerging connectivity challenges. In addition to his formal education, Syed holds the CompTIA Security+ certification, reflecting his commitment to industry-recognized standards and best practices in cybersecurity.

The What How Why of Instructional Technology (SFHB 133)

Sometimes we forget to see the forest for the trees - as technologists, we tend to see every problem as a technical problem to be solved with technology, and understandably so. But in this session, we'll discuss the impact and purpose of technology in instructional settings to help some of us remember, or learn for the first time, the forest among the trees - exactly why and to what purpose advanced instructional technology systems are implemented in instruction settings, and how best to implement instructional technology solutions based on decades of research and observation.

• Ted Coussens
  Ted has graduated from ISU three times (2004 BS Fine Arts with a concentration in woodworking, 2006 BS Philosophy with a focus on presocratic ontology, 2017 MBA with emphasis on project management and change management) and since 2006 has worked in the intersection of audio-visual technology, instructional processes, facilities integrations, and operations for ISU as a student worker, electronics technician, instructional media systems technician, assistant chief instructional media systems engineer, and is currently the assistant director for Learning Spaces and Audio/Visual Technologies.

Connect with colleagues and certified good boy Pawfficer Korg over a mid-afternoon snack in the SFHB Atrium area (basement level).

When AI Meets a Relational Campus (SFHB 139)

What are ISU's faculty and students really doing with Generative AI, and what does that mean for the staff supporting them? Join staff from the Adaptive Edge Institute, the Committee for Responsible Use of AI, University Assessment, and Technology Solutions as they share the latest data on AI use, attitudes, and adoption trends. Learn what is changing across campus and the implications for governance, support, and technology strategy.

• Carla Birckelbaw
  Carla is the Executive Director of Client Services in the Office of Technology Solutions, responsible for the Technology Support Center, Knowledge, Incident Coordinator, and Endpoint Support teams, along with a list of side projects that includes measuring IT customer satisfaction.

• David Giovagnoli
  David is Assistant Director for Scholarly Teaching and Learning in Illinois State University's Center for Integrated Professional Development and Pedagogy Lead for the Adaptive Edge Institute in the Office of the Provost. He leads professional development initiatives focused on teaching, learning, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in higher education. His work brings together evidence-informed pedagogy, digital accessibility, and emerging technologies to help faculty, staff, and administrators make thoughtful decisions about AI in teaching and academic work.
• Roy Magnuson
  Roy David Magnuson is a Professor of Music at Illinois State University, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music theory and composition and serves as Director of the Adaptive Edge Institute. In that role, and in the two appointments that led to it (Provost Fellow for the Division of Academic Affairs in 2023–2024, then Director of Emerging Technologies for Instruction and Research in 2024–2025), he has worked on the technologies that keep arriving faster than institutions can absorb them: artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and spatial computing. He is the creator of solsticeVR, a virtual reality composition environment, and co-creator of RibbonsVR: Virtual Reality Assisted Conducting, which makes a student's gesture visible as it is drawn in the air. His music has been performed throughout the United States and Europe at the World Saxophone Congress, WASBE, CBDNA, the RED NOTE New Music Festival, the Robb Composers' Symposium, and NASA (North American Saxophone Alliance, not that NASA). He is a member of ASCAP, and his music is recorded on Albany Records, NAXOS, and Tonsehen Records.

• Ryan Smith
  Ryan Smith is an art history major who loves data. As the Director of University Assessment at Illinois State University, Ryan leads institutional assessment initiatives. Ryan is also chair of the Professional Development Committee of the Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education (AALHE) and chair of the data visualization committee for the national Grand Challenges in Assessment Project. In last year, Ryan presented and conducted workshops on student success, data visualization, data storytelling, Microsoft tools, and arts-based assessment at the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) in Washington, DC; the Annual Assessment Institute in Indianapolis; the Illinois Association for Institutional Research (I-AIR); the AALHE Pass Series (online); and the Microsoft (MS) Tools in Higher Education Community of Practice. Ryan’s wife works at ISU (Student Health Services pharmacist), their two children attend ISU, and they have a mini Goldendoodle (Vinnie, who neither works nor studies at ISU).

Classroom Cart Anatomy 101 (SFHB 133)

In this session, we'll dissect the instructionus cartus maximus, examining the anatomy and physiology of this curious species.  This is a hands-on hardware session where we will be looking at an assembled instructor station, along with individual components and how they are integrated together so ISU faculty and students can gladly learn and teach.

• Ted Coussens
  Ted has graduated from ISU three times (2004 BS Fine Arts with a concentration in woodworking, 2006 BS Philosophy with a focus on presocratic ontology, 2017 MBA with emphasis on project management and change management) and since 2006 has worked in the intersection of audio-visual technology, instructional processes, facilities integrations, and operations for ISU as a student worker, electronics technician, instructional media systems technician, assistant chief instructional media systems engineer, and is currently the assistant director for Learning Spaces and Audio/Visual Technologies.

• From Tickets to Trust: Using Process Improvement to Elevate IT Customer Experience (SFHB 147)

  Sometimes IT support is as simple as fixing a broken component and closing a ticket. More often the support ticket is merely an expression of a bigger pain-point for the end user. This interactive workshop equips IT professionals with practical process improvement strategies to help them identify these pain points and advocate for change beyond resolving a single ticket. Participants will learn how to capture and apply the Voice of the Customer through effective interview techniques, uncovering real pain points and unmet needs. We’ll explore how to identify breakdowns and inefficiencies within IT support processes, and guide attendees through mapping the end-to-end customer support journey to visualize opportunities for improvement. By the end of the session, attendees will have actionable tools to analyze their current processes, prioritize improvements, and design support experiences that build trust, increase satisfaction, and deliver measurable value to their customers.
• Ben Bricker
  Ben is an IT Communication Specialist. He has been at Illinois State University for seven years. Currently, he provides front end user support in Web Services.

Join us at the Pub II to reflect on what you learned at the conference and keep connecting with colleagues! Cheese balls highly recommended, but optional.