FIYou: Penny Butler ’94, MS ’98

Name: Penny F. Butler ’94, MS ’98

Hometown: Bimini, Bahamas

Job Title/Department: Assistant Director, Division of Information Technology, BBC Operations

Campus: Biscayne Bay Campus

In a nutshell: I act on behalf of the Office of the CIO and oversee all Division of IT staff and operations at BBC, consisting of the UTS field team, UTS computer labs, media equipment services and UTS training.

Number of years at FIU: 18

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Working in our department, as well as teaching as an adjunct, has afforded me the opportunity to interact with students from various backgrounds with a variety of challenges. What I enjoy the most is providing encouragement and support to our students in an effort to increase the possibility of them having a successful and rewarding FIU experience.

What do you think students and your fellow faculty/staff should know about your department?

The Division of IT is always hard at work. We provide a wide variety of services, ranging from software, hardware and walk-in IT support, computer lab and media equipment services and application training to faculty, staff and students.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

When time and weather permit, I like to walk out by the bay. The grounds on the Biscayne Bay Campus are beautiful; there is a gorgeous bay view. Sitting out on the bay to get a breath of fresh salty air is a way to help rejuvenate my mind.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU?

FIU is a great place to work and attend college because our students are at the center of everything we do. Each student has an opportunity to be a part of a top-tier research university with highly rated programs in tropical Miami. FIU is unique in so many ways.

How is FIU “Worlds Ahead”?

With the trend moving toward globalization, one of the ways FIU has been responding is by strengthening its diversity. Each one of us has a distinctive story and is passionate about sharing, more than expected, with FIU and the surrounding community. These individual differences have enhanced the university tremendously and will continue to build a stronger FIU for current and future students.

Family snapshot:

My immediate family consists of my two daughters. I have seven sisters, two brothers and numerous nieces and nephews.

Word that best describes you: Motivated.

First paying job: I worked at Eckerd Drugs.

Favorite TV show: House.

What is playing on your iPod?

Beres Hammond, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Kelly Clarkson (“Breakaway”) and Miley Cyrus (“The Climb”).

Your proudest accomplishment:

My proudest accomplishment is raising my daughters to become smart, respectful, beautiful and honest young women.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

I take pleasure in spending time with my girls, decorating, reading, attending art exhibits, watching movies, listening to music, exercising and dancing.