Our featured McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) staff member is Ian Alaimo, director of information technology and operations for the college.
From IT planning and budgeting to facilities coordination and project management, he helps ensure MCHHS students, faculty and staff are supported with the right tools and spaces.
Let’s get to know more about him.
Where are you originally from?
I was born in Enfield, Connecticut, but I spent most of my childhood in West Plains, Missouri.
What led you to join Missouri State and how long have you been here?
My Missouri State journey began in 1996, when the university was known as Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU) and I worked part-time as a computer lab assistant. One step led to the next, and now it’s been more than 30 years of growth, learning and taking on new roles. I’ve loved moving forward with new responsibilities and finding better ways to support the people who make the college run.
Where else have you worked beside Missouri State?
I’ve worked a variety of jobs, from construction to warehouse and grocery stores. Those experiences taught me a lot about teamwork, problem-solving and getting things done.
What’s your educational background?
I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus on computer animation in 2001 and a Master of Science in Educational Technology in 2015, both from Missouri State.
What does your role in MCHHS entail?
My role covers a mix of technology and operations for the college. I oversee IT, including budgeting, policies, procurement and standards, as well as the MCHHS Simulation Center that supports many of our programs. I also manage facilities-related work like work orders, renovation projects and space planning.
How does your work support MCHHS students, faculty and staff?
My goal is to make sure students, faculty and staff have the technology and spaces they need to do their work without unnecessary roadblocks. Whether it’s supporting classrooms and labs, keeping systems running and improving workflows, the focus is always on making things work better. A big part of the job is also fixing issues in a way that prevents them from coming back.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy the variety. I get to work with a wide range of people, and no two days look the same. Every day brings a new challenge and a chance to make things a little better than they were before.
Technology and operations often happen behind the scenes. Why is this work critical to an academic environment?
When technology and operations run well, it makes everything else easier. Some of the work happens behind the scenes, but a lot of it is very visible. Large IT and facilities projects involve many people and have a real impact on how the college functions daily. Just as important are the smaller fixes and process improvements that help prevent problems from happening repeatedly.
What’s one tech tip or tool you wish more students and employees knew about?
Learning how to recall email messages can be really helpful. Also, the advanced clipboard feature in Windows (Windows key + V) is a great timesaver that not enough people use.
How do you spend your free time?
I like restoring classic older Mercedes, working on house projects, spending time outdoors and reading.
What’s a surprising thing about you that most people would not guess?
I used to be really into endurance running and completed many marathons and ultramarathons. I’m also a lifelong vegetarian, which usually surprises people.
