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Who's Who at the Computing Center
Joyce Winslow
jwins@oregon.uoregon.edu
Spencer Smith
Microcomputer Support Specialist
Microcomputer Services
Spencer Smith loves variety. Over the course of his career, Spencer has tried
his hand at lobstering in Maine, managing a yarn shop in Berkeley, and overseeing
operations at a coffee shop in Corvallis. His college career began at the University
of New Hampshire, where he majored in psychology, and ended at the UO, where
an initial interest in becoming an English teacher morphed into a passion for
computing.
After graduating from the UO in 1996 with a B.S. in computer science, Spencer
became a technical consultant for the department of Architecture and Allied
Arts. He joined the Computing Center's Microcomputer Services group a
little over two years ago, and his eclectic background has prepared him well
for the diverse demands of the job, which call upon his skills as both manager
and technical consultant.
As a microcomputer support specialist, he trains and manages the students who
staff both the Help Desk in 151 Grayson Hall and the Departmental Apprentice
Program, which provides in-house technical support to UO departments. In addition,
Spencer handles the machine check-ins for software repair and is available to
troubleshoot problems and answer a wide range of technical questions.
Spencer says laughingly that he always swore he'd get a job that allowed
him to wear a bandanna to work, and his colorful wardrobe of headgear is proof
that he's succeeded. He began wearing his trademark scarf in 1977, when
he discovered that it not only fit his persona as a Grateful Dead fan, but also
had a practical use, stanching both sea water and sweat as he labored on the
lobster boat.
His two years as a boat hand had another unexpected side effect: it piqued
Spencer's interest in knitting. After many long months of pulling lobsters,
Spencer discovered that knitting was the perfect therapy for his cramped hands.
Consequently, when the weather turns too cold for bandannas, he can tap into
his equally large wardrobe of colorful hand-knit caps.
Spencer met his wife Erica while he was working as the manager of Allann Brothers Beanery in Corvallis. The couple tied the knot in 1991 and have three sons: 11-year-old Zack, an avid reader; 9-year-old Ryan, a sports enthusiast; and 5 1/2-year-old Jordan, a computer whiz. Two years ago, Spencer and Erica also began caring for foster children, and their extended family often includes infants and toddlers. [back to top]
Jim Bohle
Senior Analyst and Project Manager
Administrative Services
A second-generation Oregonian born just 40 miles north of Eugene, Jim Bohle
has never strayed too far from his roots.
Jim's long association with the Computing Center dates back to 1969, when he
worked as a student programmer for the Center's business manager, writing machine
usage accounting programs.
In 1971, Jim graduated from the UO with a Master's in Computer Science and
left the area, first teaching at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and later, pursuing
a Ph.D. in Washington D.C. But soon he was back in Eugene, doing full-time academic
and administrative programming for the Computing Center.
In the decade that followed, Jim was twice lured to the private sector. In
1977, he and two fellow entrepreneurs founded the first retail computer store
in Oregon, and some years later, Jim became director of technical services for
AlphaHealthcare, a designer of dental and medical office management systems.
But in 1988, Jim signed on as the director of Student Information Services
at Computing Center and has been working here ever since. Among his many past
and present projects are providing support for University Housing and Printing
programs, bringing up the BANNER student and financial aid modules for UO administrative
and academic departments, and helping to develop the DuckCall, DuckWeb, and
DuckHunt systems.
Last year, Jim's group merged with Auxiliary Services, and Jim traded his managerial
duties for the chance to explore new technological developments and assist in
developing and implementing BANNER applications.
Currently, Jim is the lead person on the online Degree Audit Reporting System
(DARS), which will eventually allow students (and advisers) to electronically
assess their progress in satisfying university and major degree requirements.
Jim has also been evaluating web ÒportalÓ systems such as Campus
Pipeline, which customize web interfaces to meet individual information needsÑincluding
such items as a calendar of campus events, course and scheduling information,
and personal academic records.
Until recently, Jim spent much of his spare time coaching girls' fastpitch
softball. His coaching career encompassed not only high school varsity teams,
but also a traveling Amateur Softball Association team that boasted five state
championships and one regional championship during his tenure.
These days, Jim's leisure time is devoted to studying investing, learning new technologies, and traveling with his wife Ruth, a medical office assistant at Eugene Gastroenterology. The couple has already traveled extensively throughout the southwestern United States, and this summer they're headed for the balmy island of Kauai.[back to top]
Rob Crossler
Systems Analyst
Administrative Services
January is an important month for Rob Crossler. On January 2, almost immediately
after graduating with a B.S. in Business Information Systems from the University
of Idaho in his home town of Moscow, Rob started his job as a systems analyst
at the Computing Center. It is also the month he married his college sweetheart,
Crystal, last year.
His new job as an administrative systems analyst is close to a perfect fit
for Rob, who worked for UI's financial aid and finance offices writing BANNER
programs while still a student. During that time, Rob was part of a team that
got the data warehouse running for the entire campus, integrating the system
for departments throughout the university.
Rob's job at the Computing Center also involves administrative programming.
His major responsibility is to write programs for, and support, the university's
financial aid office, and he's already helped implement Release 4.8 of its BANNER
module. In addition, Rob assists with human resources modules and does some
general technical troubleshooting and consulting, making house calls when necessary.
Rob says his biggest challenge has been moving from UI's UNIX environment to
the UO's VMS standard.
Overall, the transition from Moscow to Eugene has gone smoothly. While Rob
settles into his Computing Center job, Crystal is working on a degree in education,
and she plans to graduate with her B.A. from the UO next June. The couple is
active in local church activities and recently joined a bowling league. Almost
every Friday night you'll find them at the Emerald Lanes Bowling Alley off Coburg
Road, improving their game. [back to top]