Richard Jackson is February Employee of the Month

Richard Jackson has been at George Mason University since 1982, working first as a computer science student employee before moving to a full-time position in 1992. As a computer systems engineer in Mason’s Information Technology Services (ITS), he has most notably been managing the academic/research system, mason.gmu.edu, for 30 years.

A two-time Mason alum, Jackson has a BS with distinction in computer science and an MS in computer science. He is known by his colleagues as a dedicated, resourceful engineer who is always willing to help others. For his team mindset, innovation, and commitment, he is recognized as the February Employee of the Month.

“Richard consistently approaches his work and work relationships with a team mentality, leading with integrity and valuing all opinions,” said Whitney Sublett, strategic operations executive coordinator in ITS. “He is innovative when troubleshooting issues, as well as when working to implement system replacements.”

“Without his dedication to this service, we would have more performance issues to deal with,” said Yu Kuo, the ITS cloud, computer, and storage engineering manager. “Because of his efforts, there have been zero system crashes or unscheduled system reboots. There are numerous examples where Richard thinks outside the box and would go look in the places that most of us don’t to figure out a solution.”

Many colleagues noted his breadth of knowledge and his resourcefulness when approaching issues.

“I’m hard pressed to think of a time when he ‘didn’t know’ an answer,” wrote Kate Orf, web applications services team lead and wCMS analyst. “But he is always willing to go off and find solutions and information to support the work of ITS.”

Emilio Goncalves, senior computer systems engineer, compares Jackson to a “wizard” when facing challenges. “Richard is a master of resourcefulness. No matter the issue, Richard has a book on his shelf or can find a link to the information that he is looking for.”

Jackson’s positive and supportive attitude was also noted by his ITS colleagues.

“Richard maintains a positive and focused attitude that energizes others to overcome barriers to change,” said Karen Gardner, director of enterprise collaboration and computing services. “He does this by engaging others to collaborate and work together toward solutions.”

Lauren Hutt, IT project manager, agreed. “Richard shows up to meetings ready to engage, which encourages others to do the same. His approach always comes across as supportive.”

“Richard creates enthusiasm by always showing up in a positive mood during meetings,” said Ethan Ervin, senior network engineer. “Richard is always willing to help and gives insightful information. Every time I’m in a meeting with him, I learn something new.”

How did you come to Mason:

My journey at Mason began in fall semester 1982 as a computer science (then part of the Math Department) undergraduate—Mason processed our programs (punch cards) overnight at UVA and typewriters were still heavily used in the administrative offices. I worked as a student wage programming consultant from 1983 to 1987 in the Thompson Hall terminal room. In 1991, while working on a graduate degree my graduate coordinator asked me to integrate myself with Mason more. So, I left my TRW programmer contractor job to join Mason Central Computing as a classified computer systems engineer in March 1992.

Best day on the job:

When I successfully troubleshoot a difficult technical issue and complete a significant effort or project.

What do you like best about working at Mason:

My colleagues!

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I hike, I've been a [Boy Scouts of America] Scouter since 2000, and I race large canoes for the Washington, D.C., DCDBC Dragonboat team.