UIT Leadership Spotlight: Dustin Udy, associate director, Security Assurance

Where are you from originally?

I grew up here in the Salt Lake Valley.

What post-secondary degree(s) do you have, in what subjects, and from which school(s)?

I don't have a formal degree, though I have taken classes several semesters at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC). Most of my education has come from hundreds of hours of teaching myself and learning on the job.

What led you to the University of Utah?

One of my brothers was working here in the late ’90s and helped me get a job on the cable crew. I kept finding interesting things to work on and great people to work with, so I've stayed.

Can you describe the path you took to IT leadership?

I worked my way up to it. I've worked for a lot of UIT teams over the past 27 years, and I decided it was time to take a seat at the leadership table. I spent a lot of time thinking about what I would like to see and how I would like things done, and when the opportunity presented itself, I didn’t hesitate.

How would you describe your leadership style and/or philosophy?

I can't say that I have a specific leadership style yet. I'm pretty new to this position, and I'm still feeling things out. I am excited for the opportunity, and I look forward to where this journey is going to take me.

As for a philosophy, I want my employees to know that I have their backs and I'm going to support them with what they need in order to succeed. I feel it's important for a leader to point a team in a direction, clear the path the best they can, and get out of the way so the team can get its work done. It's all about trust and teamwork. I'm more than willing to get my hands dirty, and with a small team, I have to.

What do you enjoy most about your role at the U?

I enjoy working with the IT community and building relationships among our teams.

What do you find most challenging about your job?

Getting people to understand the risks we face in the digital age without sounding like Chicken Little.

In information security, we see so many issues that others don't because it's not their job. They have their own problems and challenges they are trying to deal with.

What are some of your hobbies?

I donate some of my time to a few nonprofit groups: TreeUtah, Wasatch Community Gardens, and Utah State University Extension Master Gardener Program.

I'm really into gardening and growing my own food. In the past couple of years, I've gotten into rock climbing, cycling, and hiking. It's really nice to step away from the digital world and get out into nature.

Is there a fun fact about yourself that you’d like to share?

I have a not-so-identical identical twin brother.

 

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