James Shakespear

Current Location: Cedar City, Utah
Contact me via LinkedIn


Current Work


Systems Administrator
Since January 2016

As our IT department did some reorganizing in January, 2016, I was able to move into this new position that was created. I currently help manage the software and hardware for our virtual infrastructure, maintain and improve our directory services and synchronization, and work closely with the other units in IT to help implement and maintain new services.

Some of my recent highlights are implementing Microsoft RemoteApp technology, Public Key Infrastructure, and server update scripts. I also organize and improve our systems using common management tools such as Group Policy, System Center Configuration Manager, Powershell, and others.

Security is a large part of my job, and I enjoy finding ways of improving the security of our environment while reducing complexity and roadblocks so the rest of our department and campus can still get their job done efficiently.

One of the roles I enjoyed in my previous position was to train campus employees in various software programs we use on campus. I'm glad to continue with that role as I currently work with the campus training committee, and I've been able to take the time to coordinate training as well as give a few on subjects relating to the Windows operating system, Google Apps, and IT related technologies.

And last, but not least, I get to work with my friends everyday. Our department has great individuals who care about each other and want to continuously improve. As we've reorganized our department recently, we have improved communication, coordination, and our relationships with each other as well as campus members.


Adjunct Professor
Since August 2015

During the summer of 2015, the CSIS department invited me to teach a section of their CSIS 1000 course. This course mainly focused on the basic Microsoft Office Suite. It also included some technology assignments to expose students to various programs and skills with audio editing, photo editing, using a Linux Operating System, basic programming, and similar concepts.

Although there have been some changes in the coursework, the CSIS 1000 course still teaches most of those concepts. The part I enjoy the most is being able to interact with the students. At SUU, that is the main reason we are in business, so it helps me get feedback to help me improve in my full-time job.


Previous Experience


Network Administrator
Since July 2012

As a Network Administrator for SUU, I kept pretty busy managing the Student Computer labs. When I wasn't managing over 700 lab computers, I had the opportunity to find ways of improving the student's experiences with technology.

One of my projects was improving our Lab Usage web application. I implemented this tool during the summer of 2013 using this Computer-Lab-Availability tool. The tools worked great in reporting how many computers were available at any given time in the computer labs, but there were a few more things I wished it had. With a little research and help from some peers, I was able to add information about whether the computer is on/off, log the user who logged into the system, and fix the graphs to update the data rather than display over the top (which was a major memory leak in a browser). Check out the current implementation for SUU on this page.

Other products/applications I've worked with include Microsoft VDI, Citrix, Quest VDI, Active Directory, Dell Kace K1000 and K2000, Bomgar Remote Support, VMware vSphere, and so much more. Check out my technical profile for more about some of the things I've done with those.


Network Technician
SUU - Aug. 2009 to April 2012

Responsibilities included:

  • Troubleshoot network computers, printers, cell phones, and other devices
  • Install software on local computers as well as network
  • Diagnose and replace computer parts

Highlights:

  • Helped implement the SUU Help Desk through hiring and training
  • Trained three other Network Technicians
  • Assisted in the process of hiring and training Lab Assistants as well as the SUU Help Desk personnel