Craig Leavy, Telecommunications Services Video Conferencing Administrator

Who's Who at the Computing Center

Meet our video conferencing administrator

Joyce Winslow
jwins@uoregon.edu

Ask Craig Leavy about his job as a video conferencing engineer at Telecom Services and his eyes sparkle with enthusiasm. Craig is especially enthused about the role video conferencing technology plays in distance learning. "I'm a firm believer in the power of education to change people's lives," he says emphatically, "and visual learning is very important--it's so effective!"

Aside from the technology's ability to bring students and teachers together across great distances, Craig also likes the fact that video conferencing is economical. It saves both money and time, allowing administrators, teachers, and others to meet with each other without the expense and disruption of travel. Video conferencing is also widely used as a tool for screening job candidates--yet another cost-saver.

Since Craig began his job at the UO ten years ago, he's seen video conferencing technology evolve from a complex setup to a simple "plug-and-play" system. The technology is now so user-friendly that almost anyone can set up a video conference from a networked computer without much assistance.

To be effective, however, a video conference needs more than the appropriate hardware, software, and engineering technique. Lighting, sound, and attention to visual detail all contribute to the success of a project. This is where Craig's deep background in video production is a real plus. Before joining Telecom Services in the fall of 1995, Craig worked for 12 years as a full-time video producer at Lane Community College, where he earned dual degrees in radio and TV broadcasting and broadcast electronics after graduating from OSU with a B.S. in political science. His interest in documentary filmmaking, which dates back to his undergraduate days at OSU, and his passion for cinema in general have undoubtedly also contributed to his discerning eye.

Craig is so enthusiastic about his job, you might think he has time for little else, but in fact he is equally enthusiastic about a lot of things. Music, for instance. Craig calls music his "number one hobby," and he has a huge collection of recorded music, including old 78s, vinyl LPs, and even 8-track, cassette, and reel-to-reel tapes, "plus an ever growing number of CDs." Craig, who modestly describes himself as "a bad guitar player," is an avid concert-goer and cites Peter White and Craig Chaquico among his long list of current inspirations.

Growing up in the lush green countryside outside Corvallis, this Willamette Valley native also developed an enduring affection for water sports--and dogs. Whenever possible, he has made his home near a body of water, and he has rarely been without canine companionship in his life. Craig currently enjoys the best of both worlds: living on the shores of Fern Ridge Lake with his Springer Spaniel Mocha, who is always eager to accompany him on his frequent fishing and boating adventures.