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Jay Ray

Technologist, Advocate, and Leader

I am a passionate and conscientious technology professional with over 15 years of experience in the higher education technology field at various levels; a seasoned appreciation for the benefits of collaboration and diversity, equity, and inclusion; and an enthusiasm to explore opportunities to extend my leadership, while continuing to produce beneficial change wherever I am.

I have spent my career in higher education technology across the non-profit sector, proprietary education, and public and private institutions, specifically focusing on help desk support and management; computer lab operations and management; and infrastructure design and implementation. Since 2014, I have been serving as the Technology Operations Manager for the Libraries at University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I manage services across multiple campus libraries, spearheading initiatives to ensure that the libraries remain in sight of what students, faculty, staff, and partners on campus need and want out of their educational institution's library facilities.

Experience

University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries

Technology Operations Manager
March, 2014 - Present

Managed technology support, infrastructure, and services, while supervising an on-site and remote technology staff of up to fifty (50) at the Library Technology Help Desk and distributed library spaces. Oversaw support for physical spaces and assets, virtual platforms, and systems and structures that enable patron and staff access to library services. Guided the formulation and implementation of policies and procedures, integrations and innovations, and operational strategies.

Key accomplishments:

Art Institute of Indianapolis

Senior Desktop Analyst
March, 2011 - November, 2013

Led equipment and software evaluation, maintenance, and upgrade activities. Managed up to ten (10) Help Desk student workers, including scheduling, training, and supervision. Managed partner and vendor relationships for support and other contracted services. Maintained inventory records for assets and equipment.

Key accomplishments:

IHETS

Applications Engineer
January, 2009 - March, 2011

Led and managed the Media Services Department’s work with state agencies and higher education clients. Researched, designed, tested, and implemented media distribution, eLearning, and video conferencing platforms, training end users and ensuring solutions met customer requirements. Managed IHETS Help Desk, including On- and Off-Hours support for multiple higher ed institutions in the state of Indiana, supervising and training a team of fifteen (15) full- and part-time staff and interns.

Key accomplishments:

Apple

Mac Specialist
June, 2005 - January, 2008

Fulfilled the roles Mac Specialist and Inventory Control Specialist at Chicago's flagship Apple Store, North Michigan Avenue, working an average of 35 hours a week while on summer breaks during undergraduate education. As Mac Specialist, supported costumers in their purchase and use of various Apple products. As Inventory Control Specialist, insured a daily, accurate count of store inventory, restocked the sales floor, and ran inventory as necessary for successful sales.

Valparaiso University

IT Fellow (Student Leadership Position)
January, 2006 - October, 2008

Supported computing activities of campus faculty and staff. Trained colleagues as necessary with regard to support duties and Apple Mac computers. Managed the student-run IT Help Desk. Created or insured existence of up-to-date technical documentation for all campus users.

Key accomplishments:

Education

South University

MS in Information Systems and Technology, 2010 - 2012

The degree in Information Systems and Technology with a focus on Information Architecture and Design included coursework in web and media design, infrastructure planning, and information technology management.

Valparaiso University

BS in Mechanical Engineering, 2004 - 2008

The degree in Mechanical Engineering included coursework in design, technology, the sciences, and math. While I have never held a job as a Mechanical Engineer, the things I learned inform everything I do from teaching and learning to design methodologies and project management.

Published Media

SIGUCCS 2023 Presentation and White Paper, 2023 (In Progress)

EdTech Magazine, Spring Issue, 2018

SIGUCCS 2017 Presentation and White Paper, 2017

PSU MacAdmins 2015 Conference Presentation, 2015

Recognition

Janet E Plato Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

UW-Madison IT Professionals Conference, June 2021

Emmy Award Nominee, Crafts: Technical Achievement

NATAS Lower Great Lakes Chapter’s Annual Emmy® Awards, 2011