We Are IT | Meet Derek Carraway
Born and raised in Tallahassee, Derek Carraway turned a lifelong interest in technology into a career at Florida State University, where he has worked since January 2018. Today, he serves as an IT Support Specialist with ITS, helping to inform the university community about information that will help them be more successful at FSU while also championing digital accessibility and inclusive technology.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised here in Tallahassee, FL.
Where did you attend school?
After high school, I started out at Tallahassee Community College (now Tallahassee State College), where I earned my associate of arts degree in general transfer. From there, I transferred to Florida State University and received a bachelor’s degree in information technology.
Why did you choose to work in technology?
There were many reasons, but the biggest one is that I have some physical limitations that would make many jobs unfeasible for me. Sitting at a computer and working with technology was something I thought I could actually do. Also, I have had a genuine interest in the field since I was young.
How long have you been at FSU?
I've been working here for almost nine years now, since January of 2018, and I enjoy it!
What is your role at FSU?
I'm currently part of the ITS Integrated Communications Team. As an IT Support Specialist, my responsibilities can be divided into four main areas: maintaining the ITS website, creating and sending mass emails, managing maintenance and incident communications and promoting digital accessibility. My title, team name and supervisor have changed a couple of times, but my responsibilities have remained fairly similar.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy knowing that the work I'm doing makes a real difference and keeps people informed, whether that’s updating webpages so someone can find what they are looking for or sending emails about important upcoming events. I’d also be lying if I didn’t say I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work primarily remotely since the pandemic began in 2020, and while a return to the office is on the horizon, I’ll always appreciate the flexibility and unique experience that remote work has given me.
What is the most rewarding project you have worked on at FSU?
Since joining the Integrated Communications team, I've been involved in many projects (practically all of them!), but I'd say the most rewarding project is one that is underway: digital accessibility. Ensuring our technology is accessible to all is very important. I know many people, including friends, who directly benefit from accessible technology. As I check PDFs or fix an error on one of our webpages, I know we're making a real difference, which is very rewarding!
What is your favorite app?
This one was hard to pick, but I'll go with my local weather app. It keeps me informed and even notifies me when any watches or warnings are issued in my location. Living in Florida, that's definitely important, as the weather never ceases to amaze me.
If you were to invent one piece of technology, what would it be?
I would invent teleportation, so I could travel and get where I needed to go more easily. Since I’m not able to drive due to a disability, it would solve a lot of headaches and frustration.
What is a fun fact about you?
I was involved in a national Christian scout organization called Royal Rangers growing up. After many years of hard work and dedication, I earned the organization's top honor: the Gold Medal of Achievement! It is equivalent to becoming an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going to the beach, camping and going to church. I also enjoy staying home and watching something good on television or putting on a movie when time allows. When my young daughter is at her grandma’s house, watching a movie makes for a great stay-at-home date night with my beautiful wife.