It's a fact that when you really love what you do in your work life, that  passion helps fuel your whole life. Case in point: Brian Young, CIO and  Vice President of Information Technology at Creighton University in Omaha.

Since Brian arrived at the prestigious, Jesuit university, he has begun numerous projects to overhaul and upgrade the campus infrastructure to ensure greater availability and to raise awareness about the critical nature of the network at Creighton (in terms that even non-techies can grasp). He's even extended his desire to educate to the community, providing tips about how average Joes and Janes can utilize technology to improve everyday life via podcasts he produces, in cooperation with a local TV station. But as much as he's a fan of emerging technologies -- "cellivision" and the mobile desktop will be real changes agent for doing business, he believes -- he honors the human element first, in the practice of working toward diversity in his own department, and in striving to live and work by the motto, "Do the right thing."

The truth is that it seems to be getting harder to find someone whose belief in his work is so great, it fuels him with the drive to accomplish great things, and a lot of them. But in this interview, Brian Young comes across as a man who's found his mission -- providing top-notch technical support for his university's academic goals -- and a personal mission -- sharing his enthusiasm for technology, but always placing an even higher regard for the ethical use of technology, to improve people's daily lives. We invite you to take a few minutes and treat yourself to listening to this interview. We think it will give you new ideas about how to bring innovation and better communication into your shop, and maybe even add a bit of lift and energy into your day.

Bio

Brian Young is the Vice President of Information Technology at Creighton University in Omaha. Prior to coming to Creighton in 2003, Brian was the vice president for information technology and chief information officer for Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, N.Y. Brian is extensively published in the field of information technology and holds several technology patents for innovative applications. Besides his work at Creighton University, Brian continues to bring technology awareness to the community through his involvement in local and national events and educational opportunities including being a member of the Board of Directors for Nebraska Public Television. Brian has also been extensively involved with volunteering his time for work with the children’s hospitals of New York, Ohio and Nebraska.

Resources

Creighton University Web  site

Brian Young's  Weekly Technology Tips podcasts

Production Credits

Dana Farver, Executive Producer, Communities Editor-in-Chief
Tom  Parish, Audio Producer, Show Host
Kimberly Stone, Web Development  Manager
Scott Ebner, Web Developer