Carol Ann Boyle, M.B.A. '17: A Catalyst for Technology on Campus

Adelphi’s Deputy Chief Information Officer Carol Ann Boyle, M.B.A. ’17, has been interested in technology for as long as she could remember. Growing up, she saw her father working in typography, a profession that had not changed much during his time. However, with the introduction of new tech, he had fears that he would lose his job. Boyle saw his reaction, and this piqued her curiosity in technology. “If there was something big coming along, possibly forcing people out of jobs, I want to know why, and I want to know if this is something I should be a part of.”

That was the beginning of what would be a lifelong interest in all sorts of technology: computer science, programming, information systems and more. In West Islip High School, Boyle excelled at math. A teacher saw how well she did and thought that her skills would translate well to computer programming. Boyle took programming classes and had hands-on experience at a young age; which was unusual at the time, especially for a woman.

After spending some time learning programming, Boyle truly believed that computers could assist the way we were learning. In one of her high school classes she was told to choose her own essay topic, and she wrote a paper titled “Computers in the Use of Education.” When Boyle was asked why she chose that topic, she said “I enjoy technology and completing things, but I always liked to know how things can be used to change processes for the better.” It’s clear that she is always looking at the big picture, and looking for ways to improve strategy long-term.

Out of high school, Boyle continued learning about technology; first earning her Associate’s Degree in Computer Programming from Farmingdale State College followed by a Bachelor’s of Science in Management Information Systems from the State University of New York College at Old Westbury. Boyle put her education and passion to use immediately, landing a job out of college as a programmer at the Center for the Media Arts. Within six months of starting, the center saw her capabilities and asked Boyle to manage a new department. It was her first management experience, and it gave her more insight into what she wanted to do.

Through the years, Boyle worked a handful of other IT jobs, including jobs in a help desk role, and a number of management positions. Through this experience, she was able to secure a job as Manager of Networking for the Office of Information Technology at Adelphi in 1996.

Boyle was drawn to Adelphi because the University presented a unique opportunity. She would be able to impact the community with technology on a daily basis and help people continuously grow. Boyle envisioned a university community where technology was infused to stimulate administrative, faculty, and student success.

A few years into her tenure at the University, Boyle had a conversation with newly appointed CIO, Jack Chen. During this conversation, Chen identified Boyle as an excellent communicator and shortly after appointed her as Director of Customer Services and Staff Development, a role in which she thrived.

In her new position, Boyle became more of a point of contact within the University, something that she loved. This brought back memories from an earlier position she held, Computer Specialist and Customer Support at Biodex, where she was able to consistently assist and educate others regarding all tech matters. Boyle’s background in technology gave her the knowledge to help with various issues, but her ability to communicate clearly and concisely set her apart.

After working as Director of Customer Services and Staff for almost 11 years, she was promoted to Deputy CIO, become even more involved in all aspects of Adelphi’s technology. If it has to do with campus technology, Boyle is involved. There are many intricacies that most people would overlook in a project, but Boyle is there to connect the dots and make sure all stakeholders are looped in. “I love building relationships and I feel comfortable reaching out to others to be a catalyst for change,” she said.

In a world where technology is changing at an alarming rate, sometimes daily, Boyle has an impeccable ability to keep up with everything that’s going on. Boyle’s Twitter handle is @AULifeLearner, and she tries to abide by that phrase as much as possible, constantly looking to learn new skills and increase her knowledge base. She reads various technology blogs and articles every day, attends webinars and conferences such as the New York Higher Education Tech Forum. Boyle even joined the Garden City Tech Committee to have a better grasp on what technology is being used in K-12 public schools, and she frequently reaches out to other universities to see what they offer. In May, Boyle completed her M.B.A. as she wanted to continue learning and become more knowledgeable in a subject that she loves.

Meeting with other campus departments is another crucial step to understanding the needs of others. Boyle attends FCPE and library meetings regularly and meets with students often to get their perspectives. She chairs multiple committees on campus, including the Computer Technology Committee and the Student Technology Advisory Committee. Hearing from the people on campus who are using technology every day is important. “Sometimes IT thinks we should be using technology a certain way, but having conversations with other departments and faculty give us insight into what they really need and want,” says Boyle. She finds that some of the most valuable information comes from discussions with students. “I learn so much about the students, and I’m able to find out what they’re really looking for. I love going to SGA meetings and speaking with student leaders.”

Boyle hopes she will be able to contribute to IT at Adelphi for a long time. When asked about the future of IT, she said “I see IT being continuously intricate to the University, especially for student success and student retention.” She also hopes to work with faculty to infuse tech into the curriculum whenever it would be advantageous for and the students. As the key contact for Research Computing, she wants the Office of Information Technology to partner with professors to make sure they have all the research resources they need to be successful. She also sees the department becoming more involved in research and development in campus Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) efforts, and expanding the 3D Studio to be an innovation center for STEAM projects.

Beyond IT, she believes Adelphi has a huge impact on the surrounding community. “There are so many webs into the community, whether it’s through the Performing Arts Center or Athletics. It’s great that a kid can come to soccer summer camp and then attend a home game meeting all the athletes. It gives them a vision that they belong on campus. There are so many things that we’re doing that impacts the community for the better, even educating teachers on new technology or different techniques,” she said.

Boyle’s skills as a communicator and catalyst are crucial to the success of the Office of Information Technology and she loves the challenges that come with meaningful progress. Going forward, she will continue to help the University innovate and stay up to date with advancements in technology.