We Are IT | Meet Rachel Stys

Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, Rachel Stys moved to Tallahassee in 2011 for college, earning her bachelor’s degree in Japanese Business from Florida State University. Her journey into technology began unexpectedly when she landed an IT internship at a local small business. In October 2023, Rachel began serving as the IT Director for FSU’s College of Law, where she ensures her team provides top-tier tech support and enhances the classroom experience. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with her husband, Brandon, their baby girl, and teaching fitness classes at Drip Drop Fitness. 

Where are you from?  

I am born and raised in Orlando, Florida, and moved to Tallahassee in 2011 for college. 

Where did you attend school?  

I’m a proud alum of Florida State University where I earned my bachelor’s in Japanese Business.  

Why did you choose to work in technology?  

I like to say that technology found me. In college, I was looking for an internship and got hired as an IT intern for a local small business. I really enjoyed working with technology and then got a job at Apple as an AppleCare Senior Technical Advisor where I worked on the tech support side of things. 

How long have you been at FSU?  

I have been working at FSU since October 2021. 

What is your role at FSU?  

IT Director for FSU’S College of Law. I like to joke that my biggest responsibility is herding cats and quelling fires. In reality, I ensure that my team is providing the best technology service and classroom experience possible for our students. Additionally, we are passionate about educating law students, faculty and staff on new and current technology offerings to ensure they are making the most of their experience. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?  

I love the team I work with, especially the technology team at the college, as we collaborate well together. Having a strong work dynamic is important to me. 

What is the most rewarding project you have worked on at FSU?    

Excitingly, one of the most rewarding projects I have had the opportunity to work on is currently in the works. The College of Law acquired a student technology fee grant to replace all the recorders in our classrooms. The previous recorders were over 10 years old, frequently malfunctioned, and caused significant issues. Now, the new recorders will make lecture recordings more accessible and help improve our students’ learning experience. While the decision to record lectures is up to each professor, this upgrade is especially important for the future of FSU’s College of Law. 

What is your favorite app?  

My favorite app is a family photo album. It’s awesome because my husband and I can share photos with our families directly on the app. Instead of individually texting different photos, everyone can see them within the platform. 

If you were to invent one piece of technology, what would it be.  

A teleportation device to travel and easily get to wherever I’d like to go. Then, for the entrepreneurial aspect of it, I can charge people to use the device. 

What is a fun fact about you?     

When I was younger, I performed a monologue on the stage for the Off-Broadway show Stomp in New York City. 

Talk a little bit about your family. 

My husband, Brandon, and I met at FSU during our undergraduate years. Now, we have a beautiful baby girl and three cats.  

What do you do in your free time? 

When I am not spending time with my family, I teach fitness classes at Drip Drop Fitness and even have the privilege of training other instructors.