We Are IT | Meet Ben Brownell

Ben Brownell’s technology career coincided with the 1990s tech boom. He got a job at the FSU Computer Store as a student, and the rest is history. Now, as IT manager for the College of Medicine, Ben’s career revolves around customer support and supporting the college’s students, faculty and staff. Outside of work, you will catch Ben watching baseball, taking walks, attending music festivals and planning a garden with his daughter this summer.

Where are you from?

I was born in Texas and moved to Miami at an early age. In 1992 (right before Hurricane Andrew), we moved to Vermont. I loved the mountains and snow when I was younger, but I’ll take warm weather and flip-flops! I came back to Florida and started FSU in 1997. I call Tallahassee home.

Where did you attend school?

FSU. I got my bachelor's degree in library information studies and also benefitted from my time at the FSU Computer Store as well as a student internship.

Why did you choose to work in technology?

It kind of fell into my lap because of the timing. Starting college in the 90s, tech was really taking off, so it happened organically.

How long have you been at FSU?

I have been full-time since 2004, and I put in quite a few OPS years before that. I started working at the FSU College of Medicine in 2012. It was pretty cool because as a student worker I used to deliver computer equipment to the trailers while FSU Med was being built.

What is your role at FSU?

As an IT manager, you are always busy working on projects and putting out small fires. Every day I think about how I can help make our environment more secure while being attentive to the needs of our users. At the end of the day, it revolves around customer support and making sure we support our students, faculty and staff the best we can so they can do their jobs.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Working with people. I have great coworkers, and here at the College of Medicine there are some amazing faculty and staff.

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

Transitioning from Windows 7 to Windows 10 was quite a challenge, but implementing BitLocker, which is full hard drive encryption with a pre-boot PIN, was something I’m very proud of. We made our security team very happy.

What is your favorite app?

I just discovered an app called Calm. It is definitely helpful. Life can be stressful, especially working in IT. Sometimes after a tough day at work, I’ll just go home and sit on the couch and listen to the sound of waves or birds chirping. I was skeptical at first, but it benefited me.

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

I do a lot of camping, and we have to contend with the elements. We’ve introduced solar panels and battery banks to our setup, but the heat can be suffocating. I’d love to see advances in solar textiles, paint, etc. Anything that can help provide power and cooling!

What is a fun fact about you?

I went to elementary school with Chad Johnson (former NFL player). I beat him in the 50-yard dash in kindergarten—but only once, and I’m sure he would deny it!

Talk a little bit about your family.

I have a daughter who is 11. She is amazing and going to middle school next year.

My mom and two sisters are in Colorado, so I visit them often. We are planning a road trip out there this summer.

My dad just retired and moved to Tallahassee, so I get to spend more time with him.

What do you do in your free time?

I watch a lot of baseball and take walks for exercise and relaxation. Also, as a homeowner, I am always fixing stuff around the house—it's ridiculous.

My daughter and I have been talking about starting a garden so we can spend more time outdoors and grow things and cook more. We are in the planning stages for that, but she is really excited.