UIT Leadership Spotlight: Scott Allen, associate director, Office of Software Licensing

Where are you from originally?

Salt Lake City, born and raised! I continue to absolutely love living here — the mountains, the people, and of course, the Utes.

What post-secondary degrees or certifications do you have, in what subjects, and from which schools?

I hold a bachelor’s degree in information technology from the University of Phoenix. I’m also a Certified Scrum Product Owner and a Certified Tableau Desktop Specialist (because who doesn’t love a good data visualization?).

What led you to the University of Utah?

I was drawn to the U because of its reputation as an innovation leader and the best employer in the state. Plus, I figured it was time to trade in my generic red hoodie for an official Utah “U” sweatshirt. I consider myself a proud nUrd now!

Can you describe the path you took to IT leadership?

I started my career as a developer while I was an actuarial student. Over time, I progressed into various IT architecture and infrastructure roles, leading projects and small teams along the way. As I continued to develop new skills and take on challenges, I moved into chief information officer and other executive positions.

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

I always try to lead by example and foster a collaborative environment focused on creative problem-solving — and having fun at the same time! I believe in mentoring team members, encouraging professional growth, and celebrating even the smallest successes (and the failures we learn from).

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

I most enjoy the opportunities to collaborate with talented peers across fields and influence progress on complex challenges. The innovative, fast-paced culture also motivates me. No problem is insurmountable here, and continuous improvement thrives — plus, free coffee in the breakroom doesn’t hurt either!

What do you find most challenging about your job?

The biggest challenge is prioritizing the many potential projects and initiatives while optimizing the Office of Software Licensing’s (OSL) processes. I focus on data-driven decision-making to pursue enterprise software licenses with the most potential positive impact for our students.

What are some of your hobbies?

Outside of work, I enjoy golf (although my swing could use some improvement), all mountain sports, travel, and spending time with family and Bono the Irish-Doodle (named after the U2 frontman, of course). I’m also always up for a good book recommendation!

Is there anything else that you think our readers would like to know about you?

I’m passionate about assistive technology and home automation that help people with disabilities. I’ve also been a fan of IndyCar and Formula One racing my whole life — the technology and teamwork are astounding! I’ve traveled internationally to a few races and would love to attend at least one F1 race in (almost) every host country.

 

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