Who's who at Rollins: Pat Schoknecht
Jen Atwell
Issue date: 10/30/09 Section: Life & Times
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A: Information Technology is responsible for all aspects of technology on the campus. All computers, software, telephones, projectors, the network, email, printers, cameras and keep on going. We also support the Rollins community in using technology in teaching, learning, and community outreach broadly defined (service, alumni, admissions, athletics, public relations, and the web). One of the things I love about working in IT is that we touch absolutely everyone on campus and have our fingers in everything that is going on.
Q: What is your background before Rollins College?
A: My PhD is in animal science, with a specialty in nutritional physiology. If you have any pigs to feed - I am your woman! I was a faculty member at Rutgers University for 7 years where I began using technology in my teaching. I became interested in how technology can be properly used to enhance learning and how colleges can provide the support that faculty and students need. That led me to the University of Richmond where I was the Director of the Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology for 5 years. I was the CIO at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY for the last 4 years before starting here in September.
Q: Do you spend all of your time (at work and at home) on your computer? This is how I picture things going in my head…
A: My job actually focuses more on people than on computers. There are a tremendously talented group of folks working in IT who handle all of the technical details. I focus my time on being out on campus and understanding what everyone is trying to accomplish, so I can bring back to IT what our priorities should be. IT has two components: providing support for what you want to do and keeping up with new trends so that we can offer up ideas on how you might be able to accomplish your goals.
Q: Are you a Mac or a PC? I am a Mac … You weren't here when I got my brand new MacBook Pro, but I did a little jig from all of my enthusiasm!
A: I am a PC. I use Macs for the things they do well (image manipulation, audio and video editing), but a simple and cheap laptop actually meets my daily needs.
Q: Do you love Florida weather? Jeff Eisenbarth does... I do not... who's side will you be on?
A: Ask me again after I have lived through the Florida summer. Right now, I am looking forward to the warm winter this year and can always go north to ski and snowshoe.
Q: And lastly, what is your favorite song? The public is dying to know…
A: I am one of the few people in the world who is not much into music. I am into baseball and am a diehard Chicago Cubs fan having grown up in Chicago.
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