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Kentucky State University’s Information Technology team has played a crucial role during the campus migration to online learning and working. 

Wendy Dixie, chief information officer, said the process has been challenging, but three of the University’s most critical and heavily used systems were moved to cloud-based platforms in 2013, 2015 and 2018. 

“This has allowed the IT team to focus a large portion of our efforts during this crisis on providing customer service and provisioning of support to our online students and our newly distributed remote workforce,” Dixie said.

Some of the challenges, Dixie said, relate to the major changes in how students and employees will now operate and how services are delivered to them. 

“We have challenges with ensuring everyone has what they need to teach and learn while away from campus; especially internet access,” Dixie said. “While it is great that many telecommunication vendors are offering free internet services or reduced fees during this crisis, internet disparities still exist.”

Dixie said there have been no real surprises during this transition.

“It has been pleasing to see how the campus community has exemplified the true Thorobred spirit and have been very patient and supportive during this process,” Dixie said.

Dixie gives credit to her remarkable team for the transition success. 

“They have been 100 percent engaged and ready to provide creative solutions and assistance since the very beginning; even while we were on spring break,” Dixie said. “We keep morale high by staying connected throughout the day. Communication is key to the team. We have daily operations meetings in the morning and we talk often during the day. Everyone’s voice is heard and everyone knows that their role on the team is critical to our success.”

Dixie said that while this process has been tough, it’s been wonderful to see and be a part of the collaboration of many departments on campus to minimize disruption and make going online a success. 

“Dr. Michael Dailey has been very instrumental and should be commended for the work he has accomplished,” Dixie said.