Portal:Representative Council

The University of Oklahoma is now first in the Big 12 in connectivity and one of PC Magazine’s 2007 Top 20 Wired Colleges. A recognized expert in the IT field of higher education, Dennis is focused on aligning technology talent, resources, and services to advance and support the University’s Mission. He is leading OU to the cutting edge of emerging technologies, from secure wireless connectivity to multi-disciplinary supercomputing (the OU Supercomputing Center for Education and Research - http://oscer.ou.edu).

Computerworld recognized Dennis’s success, naming him one of its Premier 100 IT Leaders for 2007.

“Dennis Aebersold is very deserving of this outstanding national recognition,” said OU President David L. Boren. “His leadership has helped take OU into the top ranks of all universities in technological tools available to students and faculty.”

People – not technology – are Dennis’s greatest resource as a CIO; his organization reflects his leadership. In 2006, Computerworld named OU IT one of the 100 Best Places to Work in IT.

Dennis holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from Brown University and has conducted Post Doctoral research at Harvard and Duke Universities. His life as a teacher, administrator, leader, and IT change agent has spanned over 30 years in higher education.

Ms. Ambur has been instrumental in implementing innovative technology at The University of South Dakota to enhance the education of its students. In 2001, she helped lead the initiative to introduce Palm(TM) Handheld computers on campus, making The University of South Dakota the first in the U.S. to require Palm Handhelds for first-year students. In January 2003, the University was one of 14 companies nationwide recognized for exceptional use of network technology to further business objectives.

Also in January 2003, Roberta Ambur was recognized by Computerworld as one of the 10 Best in Class of the business world's Premier 100 IT Leaders. Ambur was selected from hundreds of nominees and individuals who have creatively applied technology to execute their organization's business strategy. The Premier 100 IT Leaders award recognizes exceptional technology leadership, innovative approaches to business challenges, and effective execution of comprehensive IT strategies.

Prior to joining The University of South Dakota in August 2001, she served as Chief Business Officer at Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota since 1996. Previously, she served as Comptroller of Sorenson Broadcasting, a company that operated radio stations in South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. She has also held various administrative positions in the utility industry with Midwest Power Systems Inc. and South Dakota Network Telecommunications.

Ms. Ambur is a graduate of The University of South Dakota with a Bachelor of Science in Math Education and a Masters in Business Administration in Management Information Systems. She also received her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate in 1986.

Image:David Johnston.jpgDavid Johnston is the Director of Networking & Telecommunications for the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He earned his degree in Computer Science from the University of Missouri-Rolla and over the past 21 years has designed, installed, supported and managed computer networks at UMKC from BITnet to Internet2 and SNA to switched gigabit Ethernet. Today he manages the staffs that support UMKC’s voice and data networks and the fiber optic and copper cable plants spread across a 120 acre urban campus and throughout 100 buildings.

He has been a guest lecturer in Computer Science Network classes made presentations at HELIX and the Great Plans Network conferences on subjects like VoIP, Infrastructure Management and written or coauthored papers on Infrastructure Management and Emergency 911 services in a VoIP Environment.

Personal Note: GPN has always been a great partner to UMKC bringing Internet2 and regional network connectivity to the Midwest. I have always tried to help promote their focus of collaboration in research, computing and network support. GPN provides a plethora of information not only on funding and research opportunities but on a wide range of technical topics through their web site, newsletters and regional conferences. I hope to see you at GPN’s next event.

James Lyall, K-State Associate Vice Provost for Academic Services and Technology, oversees K-State's campus network and computing infrastructure, develops academic applications and manages information and computer security.

Lyall comes to K-State from Colorado State University, where he served as the network administrator and help desk manager for the College of Applied Human Sciences' academic computing and networking services. He also was information technology coordinator for the university's department of occupational therapy.

Warren holds an Ed.D. from the University of South Dakota, an M.B.A. from the University of Iowa, and a B.S. from Monmouth College.

Although Black Hills State is one of GPN’s newest members, Warren has been involved with GPN for many years, and we are excited to welcome him to the GPN Representative Council.