A Q&A with Fulbright College IT Services’ Teresa Waddell

Teresa L. Waddell

Director of Technology for the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences

In this conversation, Waddell talks about understanding and advocating for the college’s technology needs, making connections across campus, being a part of exciting positive innovations for the university, and hopefully seeing her son become a Diamond Hog soon, before playing pro baseball. 

Q: Tell us a little about your role within the college. What excites you about this?

As director of technology, much of my role involves making connections. Whether it be connecting a need with a resource, connecting individuals, connecting to the campus networks, connecting our college with information, etc.  

Additionally, my role includes understanding our stakeholders’ needs and advocating for those needs through coordination and collaboration with mostly central IT and sometimes other campus entities as well. 

The exciting part is that no day is routine. I’m always meeting new people in our college and all over campus. I’m involved and invited to be part of many exciting activities that represent big change for the U of A. 

Q: How long have you been at Fulbright College? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?

October 2018 marked my 14^th year serving Fulbright College and the University of Arkansas. 

Even though we’re the largest college, Fulbright has always had a family feel among the staff and faculty who work here. The people of Fulbright College see no boundaries – somehow, someway we get it done!

Q: What do you most hope your students and/or colleagues remember from their interactions with you?

She is source of knowledge. She always listened and understood the needs to help make the experience better. 

Q: What do you like to do during your time outside of the university?

My personal time is spent being at home and outdoors with my family, watching my son play baseball and football, and enjoying time with our pets Wrigley the basset hound and NaKona the black lab. (Their names are baseball references!)

Q: What’s up next on the horizon for you?

We would like to purchase or build a new home and have some land in the area. 

I also really want to watch my son live out his dream to grow to be a Diamond Hog and join the Razorbacks someday. And eventually become a pro-baseball player.  

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add or let readers know? 

As we continue down the path of growth and change, we need our leadership to continue their messaging to guide the campus forward, early and often. 

I believe our core traditions and values can be preserved while we take this walk through growth, expansion and improvement. And everyone should take this walk together. 

Everyone we have is an asset and we should all be part of this transformation.