For the fifth consecutive year, Temple has been named one of Computerworld magazine’s “100 Best Places to Work in Information Technology.”

The magazine released its 16th annual rankings earlier this month and placed Temple 90th, making it the fourth-ranked university on the list. (The full list, which includes companies such as Verizon Wireless, FedEx, and Aflac, is available online.)

The rankings are created by evaluating specific criteria — such as benefits, retention, promotion rate, diversity of staff and training budget — that are intended to identify employers that are “firing on all cylinders,” according to the report. Consistent with Temple’s tradition, the study found that the university’s IT staff is the 16th most diverse and ranks 10th in diversity among managers.     

“This prestigious national award is a true reflection of our high-caliber staff,” said Timothy O’Rourke, vice president of Computer and Financial Services. “Temple wouldn't be in the forefront of technology without their hard work, dedication and inventiveness.”

The publication lauded Temple’s commitment to employee education, especially in light of the rising cost of college credit. Employees who enroll in undergraduate or graduate courses at Temple are offered full tuition remission, as are any of their dependent children who attend. The article noted that many IT staff members have taken advantage of these benefits and are pursuing bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees.

O’Rourke praised his staff for helping Temple navigate the current recession through their work in implementing new administrative systems, developing the university’s telecommunications infrastructure and pursuing green initiatives such as automated computer shut-down.

 “In these challenging fiscal times, the role of technology is more critical than ever for ensuring the efficient operations of the university,” said O’Rourke.

The Computerworld article also highlighted Temple’s recent expansion efforts, such as the Fox School of Business’s new Alter Hall, where nearly 10 percent of the $80 million project cost was allocated to educational technology. In addition, the article noted that the soon-to-be-completed medical school includes a “high level of investment… in the computer technology required to support future medical education and research.

According to O’Rourke, the success of Temple’s IT department reflects its strong team dynamic.

“I am convinced that when we get together to solve a problem, that there is no group that is more creative and cooperative than this one,” he said.

-- Kyle Bagenstose