With only being at Baker University for a few months, Simon Maxwell, the newly-appointed Assistant Vice President of Information Technology, has taken on a new role along with the challenges that lie ahead.
Maxwell, who took over for Bonnie Postlethwaite this semester, has a collective background that includes 21 years at DeVry University as well as experience as an adjunct instructor at Wichita State University and Metropolitan Community College.
Maxwell said he gained most of his knowledge about informational technology while working for DeVry as the academic dean. While working as academic dean, selecting computer software tools was one of his responsibilities.
“(My responsibilities) evolved into more and more technology related projects,” Maxwell said. “I was sort of actively pushing.”
Before being hired at Baker’s College of Arts and Sciences campus, Maxwell was an employee at Baker’s School of Professional and Graduate Studies in Overland Park. Maxwell said the hiring process went quickly. He said he met with Executive Vice President of SPGS Don Clardy and University President Dan Lambert.
One of the challenges Maxwell faces is a project to install a new campus system. Compared to other schools Maxwell has seen, Baker is not at the top of his list as far as technology is concerned, he said.
“I’ve seen schools more advanced in technology,” Maxwell said. “But Baker has made a clear commitment to improve new technology resources.”
This new project will take up to two years to have it completely up and running. It will provide a technology infrastructure for faculty, staff and students.
With many students frustrated with the current Baker technology system – mainly the internet – some students said they are happy Maxwell is at Baker.
Sophomore Stephanie Baker is one of those students who are optimistic about the new system.
“If it means it will be easier for students to access, it’d be a great thing,” Baker said.
Student librarian assistant Theresa Oliver said she thinks Maxwell will be good for Baker.
“He seems like a very professional man that will get the job done well,” Oliver said. “I am very much looking forward to the new system even though I will not get a chance to use it as I am graduating before it will be completely installed.”
Maxwell, who knows that technology changes almost daily, is very optimistic and pleased with his co-workers about their passion of technology.