We Are IT | Meet Kayla Murrill
Kayla Murrill has spent the past decade building a career in technology at FSU, growing from an OPS desktop support technician into her current role as a Windows Systems Engineer with ITS. She helps maintain the security and stability of the university's Windows server environment while supporting campus IT teams with server production and development.
Where are you from?
I was born in Wakulla and lived there for the first few years of my life. Since I moved so often in my childhood, I was often “the new girl”. I lived a significant portion of my life in North Georgia and in Texas, but Florida brought me back about 15 years ago. I can say with confidence that this is the longest I’ve stayed put! FSU has a lot to do with that.
Where did you attend school?
I attended 9 different schools throughout grade school and didn’t really think “school” was my thing. Lo and behold, I am completely self-taught and have relied on self-instruction through certification courses and exams. I have found that this has served me well in my line of work. I could keep up with the rapid and ever-changing landscape of the information technology world. It also gave me the opportunity to focus on niche paths that interested me at any given point.
Why did you choose to work in technology?
I like to say technology chose me. Through a series of events, I was encouraged to check out Desktop Support back in 2014. Prior to this, my expertise was in retail management. Knowing full well I wanted a change in career trajectory, I jumped at the chance. I knew I’d have to work two jobs to make ends meet while I learned the ropes as an OPS employee, and I considered this to be a worthy sacrifice. I dove in headfirst and never looked back. I had a knack for troubleshooting and transferred my soft skills into customer satisfaction, two skills that proved invaluable to me over the next 12 years.
How long have you been at FSU?
The first two OPS years typically don’t count towards enumerated years here, so this year I reached 10 years as an FTE with FSU. If you had asked that green OPS girl where I would be today, I could not have predicted the journey that brought me here. I’ve met many great people and worked with multiple teams across FSU’s campuses.
What is your role at FSU ITS?
My current role within ITS is a Windows Systems Engineer. My team is responsible for the security and stability of the Windows server environments across campus. In addition, I support technicians and administrators across campus departments with server production and development.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Implementing solutions! I am highly solutions-oriented, and it is always the best feeling when a department feels well taken care of after a solution has been implemented in their environment.
What is the most rewarding project you have worked on at FSU?
When I worked on the networking team, we went to the Panama City campus to upgrade their wireless infrastructure. This was a fantastic team bonding experience, and the people at the PCC campus were in desperate need of an upgrade. It’s always rewarding when the customer is happy with their new infrastructure.
What is your favorite app?
The Weather App and Windly. I am an avid hobby gardener, and I find myself checking a variety of weather apps every day!
If you were to invent one piece of technology, what would it be?
Something similar to a home weather station. It would also connect to other IoT devices around the home that automatically water and feed the garden, while monitoring and reporting specs back to a central station for data analysis.
What is a fun fact about you?
I love to drive with the windows down and no AC even in the Summer!
What do you do in your free time?
Gardening! It’s one of the most satisfying and rewarding hobbies I’ve ever had. Providing for your family and being in nature are the main drivers for me.