We Are IT | Meet Debbie Kelly

Where are you from?    

I grew up in Melbourne, Florida, but Tallahassee has been home even longer. I moved here to attend Florida State University, met my husband, and together we've raised three wonderful children.

Where did you attend school?

I earned my Associate of Arts degree from Brevard Community College (now Eastern Florida State College) before transferring to Florida State University, where I received bachelor's degrees in Marketing and Management, along with a minor in Computer Science (now Management Information Systems). While working in IT at FSU and teaching Systems Analysis and Design at Tallahassee Community College (now Tallahassee State College), I completed my Master's degree in Library Science.

Why did you choose to work in technology? 

My interest in technology began almost by accident. After earning my AA degree, I had one summer before moving to Tallahassee and decided to take a couple of programming classes. I immediately fell in love with coding.

How long have you been at FSU?

I've worked at Florida State University continuously since 1995, totaling more than 31 years. I also worked briefly at FSU in the late 1980s as a COBOL programmer in the basement of the Westcott Building.

What is your role at FSU ITS?

I currently serve as the Assistant Director for Digital Experience. I lead a small team that has worked together since 2007. Together, we manage nearly 400 university websites on our Drupal web content management platform. Our team also supports the university's public calendar, website accessibility checker, URL shortening service, digital signage, space reservation system, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, application management software, and other digital services that help support the university community.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The best part of my job is working alongside my team. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn together. I enjoy helping departments achieve their goals, and it's especially rewarding when they let us know we've made a difference.

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

We've completed many large projects over the years, especially website migrations. The most rewarding was our recent migration of 387 websites in just six months. My team made the process look seamless, but behind the scenes, they spent countless evenings working with stakeholders, FSU Hostmaster, and our hosting team to ensure every site was reviewed and transitioned successfully. We finished the project two months ahead of schedule and without issue—a testament to the team's dedication and hard work.

What is your favorite app?

As a music lover, Spotify is easily my favorite app. I enjoy creating playlists, and a guarantee that the next song is always one I love. Music has a way of lifting my mood, no matter the day.

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

I'd invent a personal home diagnostic laboratory that performs blood tests, genetic screening, microbiome analysis, and other health assessments without requiring a visit to a medical laboratory. The system would prioritize privacy by allowing people to collect, analyze, and securely store their own health data at home.

What is a fun fact about you?

After work, I’m a passionate herbal enthusiast who enjoys growing a diverse collection of herbs in my garden. I love learning about their medicinal properties and exploring their many uses. It’s a rewarding hobby that combines my interest in natural wellness with my love of gardening.

What do you do in your free time?

I enjoy experimenting with healthier versions of classic desserts, gardening, drawing, and painting. My husband and I also love discovering live music around Tallahassee, spending time with family and friends, and escaping to the coast whenever we have the chance.