Before a computer is deployed on campus, a team of specialists track it, verify the configuration, installs the latest standard computer load, and much more before it gets to you. The several hundred computer upgrades on campus are handled mostly by this small team with over a hundred years of experience at SMU. They are more than just computer installs. The Client Systems Team is also responsible for campus computer inventory, software upgrades with Ivanti, many of the campus computer labs, plus providing support for those spaces.
“Working within Customer Service, I love having the opportunity on a daily basis to collaborate among amazing teams and working together to provide creative solutions that allow technology to further enhance the educational experience at SMU.” ~ Lauren Nelson
Lauren Nelson, OIT Client Systems Team Manager
Lauren Nelson joined SMU in 2008. She has managed the OIT Client Systems Team since June of 2018 and served previously as the OIT Help Desk Manager. Upon joining SMU, she worked within the Lyle School of Engineering, among both the Technical Support and Distance Education teams prior to joining OIT in 2011.
Lauren is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston and has also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at SMU. In her spare time, she enjoys going to see live music and spending time with family and her dogs.
Andy Maupin, Technology Specialist
Andy has worked at SMU since 1991, starting out in Fondren Library’s Acquisitions Department receiving and preparing books for the library. As technology grew, she was transitioned into providing tech support for the library staff and the library’s public computers. During the reorganization, she was transitioned to OIT’s Desktop Support team. Later, Andy moved to Client Systems to provide support for lab systems across campus.
Chris Alvarado, Technology Specialist
Chris began work at SMU in Development & External Affairs in 2014 and joined the OIT Client Systems team 2016. He is a graduate of the University of North Texas (’10) with a BS in Business Computer Information Systems (BCIS). He enjoys spending time with his family, listening to new music, and dabbles in freelance photography.
Chad Madding, Software Deployment and IT Specialist
Chad currently serves on the OIT Client Systems team for Southern Methodist University. As a software deployment and IT specialist, he has 20 years of experience working in the fields of construction, economic development, and education. In his current role, Chad is responsible for the design and deployment of Windows and macOS images and software packages for SMU. Chad is married with two kids, enjoys woodworking, playing board games, and is an active member of Wilshire Baptist Church.
Terry Johnston, Computer Consultant
Terry has been part of the IT at SMU since 1996. He started as a Desktop Consultant for Dedman College. In his current role, Terry is responsible for maintaining computer inventory, a surprisingly complicated job since so much of the campus is in a near-constant state of transition.
In his off-time, Terry enjoys taking bad photos, watching bad horror and science fiction movies (the older, the better), writing bad stories, and creating bad electronic music. Noticing a trend?
Joe Arnold, Hardware Deployment Repair Technician
Joe Arnold serves on the OIT Client Systems team and has worked at Southern Methodist University since 1991. Joe is an expert at correctly diagnosing faulty computer hardware for quick and accurate repairs, leaving the customer with the least amount of downtime possible. Joe also processes all new computer orders, helps keep track of the computer inventory, and is responsible for organizing and scheduling computer equipment for recycling.
In his free time, Joe likes to create ideas and bring them to life, currently with 3D printing. Some of his latest creations are the IonTweeter (a plasma high-frequency audio tweeter), the SpongePan, Pyramid Levitator, Pinorama 100 (pinhole camera) and more. See Joe’s latest ideas on his site at DynamicFrequency.com. Joe also played bass guitar in his family band at the Royal Las Vegas hotel at the same time as the Jackson 5.
