We Are IT | Meet Scott Bickley
Born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, Scott Bickley has deep ties to Florida State University, where both of his parents worked. In 2009, Scott earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies (Summa Cum Laude), and he recently completed a Master of Science in Information Technology with certificates in IT Leadership and Information Architecture.
Now serving as the Director of the FSU Testing Center, Scott leads a dedicated team committed to upholding the university's rigorous academic standards. His passion for problem-solving and leadership shines through in projects like the successful reopening of the Testing Center after a four-year closure and transitioning the university from Blackboard to Canvas in 2017. Outside of work, Scott enjoys time with his family, coaching soccer, teaching Bible studies, and playing (and creating!) board games.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, after my father received a teaching position at FSU College of English and later became Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. And my mother enjoyed a long career at FSU as well, serving as an Assistant Director at what is now the Office of Digital Learning.
Where did you attend school?
I received a full tuition scholarship to Florida State University, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies. In 2023, I received a Master of Science in Information Technology at FSU through the fully online program with certificates in IT Leadership and Information Architecture.
Why did you choose to work in technology?
Oftentimes, people don’t realize what they’re missing if they’re scared to try something new. I love trying new things, and life is so much easier when equipped with the right technology and know-how. Sharing that knowledge and courage is exciting to me.
How long have you been at FSU?
I have worked at FSU for 14 years now. Most of this time has been spent supporting faculty, staff, and students with academic technology in a variety of ways. Whether I was helping instructors navigate technology, managing databases and servers, project managing the Blackboard-to-Canvas transition, creating design documents for custom web applications, or overseeing customer service operations, FSU has been a tremendously rewarding place to work at every stage of my career.
What is your role at FSU?
I am the director of the FSU Testing Center. My job is to help faculty uphold Florida State University’s rigorous academic standards as my team courteously provides whatever assessment services they need. These services include in-person proctoring at our center, off-campus proctoring coordination, online proctoring through Honorlock, and scanning services for paper-based exams held in classrooms.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I love most is seeing what my team can accomplish. When they’re proud of their work and our mission is furthered, I know I’m doing my job.
What is the most rewarding project you have worked on at FSU?
It’s got to be the one I just completed: We recently reopened our testing center after a 4-year closure during the pandemic years. It’s a large, expensive clock with many moving parts, but we were able to get it rebuilt. Our test machine works at twice the efficiency as before, and student and staff satisfaction is higher than ever. This, in thanks to the support of our current administration, ODL’s director, and dozens of dedicated, competent leaders and workers on my team. Ultimately, though, the reward is knowing that I’m part of something bigger than myself—a cause worth striving for.
What is your favorite app?
My personal favorite is Canvas, as I’ve “lived” in that app and served it to customers for years. The app that has improved my work life the most, however, is Microsoft Teams. I love how centralizing it is and can’t imagine going back to the sluggish and siloed way things were before.
If you were to invent one piece of technology, what would it be.
If I had the right educational background and opportunity, I’d invent a dishwashing machine that requires no pre-scrubbing or intentional placement into the racks. You (or even a kid) could just insert the dish or silverware, and it would do the rest.
What is a fun fact about you?
I am fascinated by medieval warfare and have taken and taught archery classes in the past. I have a makeshift archery range and “catapult” at home which we occasionally use to launch soccer balls, pumpkins, and a small child at one point (just kidding!).
Talk a little bit about your family.
I met my wife, Jenny, on my first day of kindergarten and we started dating in high school. Now, we’ve been happily married 17 years and are blessed with 4 wonderful kids, 3 Labrador Retrievers, and a hugely supportive extended family in town. I wouldn’t be half the man I am without Jenny’s loving support, discernment, and humor.
What do you do in your free time?
I create board games as a hobby and guilt my family and friends into playing them. I’ve prototyped at least 20 games so far and often dream of putting a few on the market.
*Photo credit to Dylan Jackson Photography, Tallahassee.
