UIT Leadership Spotlight: Brett Puzey, manager, AV Installation Services, Digital Learning Technologies

Where are you from originally?

I was born in Ogden, Utah. My family moved to Richfield, Utah, when I was 3. I lived in Richfield until I joined the United States Marine Corps, where I served 12 ½ years.

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

After leaving the military, I enrolled in college with the University of Phoenix, where I earned my bachelor’s in business with an emphasis in project management in May 2013. Immediately after graduating, I started my Master of Public Administration at the University of Utah, which I completed in May 2015.

I passed my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification test in 2018.

What led you to the University of Utah?

Chance. After getting out of the military, it was hard finding a job without an education. Then, once I started working toward my education, I knew I wanted to do something project-related and happened to find a position at the U that fulfilled both interests.

Can you describe the path you took to IT leadership?

I came from 12 years of moving up in the military in leadership positions. When I started at the U, I was a working supervisor. Over the years, my job has evolved into the project manager position it is now.

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

I love working in a collaborative environment where we can work together as a team to achieve our goals. My style of leadership is more along the lines of ensuring everyone knows their role in the overall picture and collaborating to make sure we are successful.

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

I really enjoy working with the technology side of education. Seeing how what we do as a department assists in the success of so many other people is rewarding.

What do you find most challenging about your job?

The most challenging part of my job is keeping up with new technologies. It seems as soon as we install technologies in classrooms, there is something new out there. With ever-changing technologies, setting clear expectations of what the technologies in the classrooms can and cannot do can be challenging as well.

What are some of your hobbies?

I love spending time with my family and being outdoors. We love the national parks and have a goal to visit all of them at some point. I love archery, camping, drawing, and traveling to new destinations.

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

Despite being in the Marines for 12 years, I still can’t swim.

 

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