IT Leadership Spotlight: Emily Jacoby, manager, Web Support & Usability

Where are you from originally?

I was born in Southern California and lived there until I was 3. My family then moved to Eden, Utah, and later to Pleasant View, Utah, where I spent most of my childhood.

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

I earned my bachelor’s degree in English teaching from the University of Utah in 2014. In 2024, I completed training and earned my Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) certification through Human Factors International (HFI).

What led you to the University of Utah?

After high school, I took a year off and worked part time at Mervyn’s department store (rest in peace!). While it was a great experience, I realized I wasn’t working toward my full potential and felt a bit lost. A friend who was attending the U invited me to visit, and I immediately fell in love with the campus — the atmosphere, the energy, everything. I enrolled the following fall and have been connected to the U ever since.

Can you describe the path you took to IT leadership?

My path to IT leadership wasn’t exactly a straight line — it evolved naturally over time. I started at the U as a part-time public relations specialist for the College of Social and Behavioral Science (CSBS), writing articles and assembling newsletters. Over time, that role grew into a broader marketing and communications position, in which I managed everything from event promotion and website updates to annual reports, design of print materials, and digital content strategy.

As the work expanded, I recognized the need for a more structured communications team, so I helped build one from the ground up. By the time I left CSBS, we had a dedicated team that included a part-time webmaster, full-time marketing and communications specialist, and student intern to help with the college’s social media presence.

Throughout that process, I collaborated frequently with the IT team I’m now part of, and I always admired their expertise and teamwork. When an opportunity opened to join the team, I didn’t hesitate to apply, even though I was nine months pregnant at the time! It’s been such a rewarding transition, blending my background in communication and user experience with technology and leadership.

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

My leadership style is still evolving, but at its core, it’s built on trust. I trust my team’s expertise and judgment, and I expect open communication if someone needs support. I’m also a hands-on leader who isn’t afraid to roll up my sleeves and work alongside my team, because I believe that strong leaders lead by example.

I don’t have a single leadership philosophy, but I draw inspiration from stories about underdogs and resilience — the idea of rising to the occasion when others doubt you. One of my favorite quotes is, “When people say you can’t, turn around and say, ‘Watch me.’” I also believe in being transparent about what I don’t know. I’ve never been one to pretend to have all the answers; I ask questions and encourage others to do the same. Leadership, to me, is about continuous learning and shared growth.

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

Without a doubt, it’s the people I work with. Our team is collaborative, supportive, and full of unique strengths. I genuinely enjoy learning from everyone and seeing how our different skills come together to create great results.

What do you find most challenging about your job?

I’m a passionate person who wears my heart on my sleeve. As a new leader, I’ve learned how much my energy can influence the team’s environment. I’m also a bit of a people pleaser, and while I genuinely want everyone to be happy, I’ve realized that’s not always going to be possible in the workplace. Balancing empathy with decision-making has been a valuable part of my growth as a leader.

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What are some of your hobbies?

I love doing arts and crafts with my daughter, Reese — it’s one of our favorite ways to spend time together on weekends. I also enjoy reading and painting. I have a deep appreciation for Bob Ross and can spend hours watching the Bob Ross Channel (the man truly was a genius). My husband, David, and I love building Lego sets together. And finally, I must admit that I have a bit of a shopping addiction, which my team members have witnessed firsthand.

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

I’m probably the quintessential millennial. I’m a full-fledged Disney adult, and I love a good true crime podcast. I’ve also taken the Hogwarts House Quiz on Pottermore more times than I’d like to admit and have been sorted into every house at least once. The house I’ve been placed in most often (and now proudly claim) is Hufflepuff, with just a hint of Slytherin.

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

Outside of work, I’m always up for learning something new, whether that’s trying a new craft project, trying a new way of reorganizing or decorating my house (Thanks “Home Edit”), diving into a random fiction book, or planning my next Disney trip. I’m also a big believer that laughter and creativity make any team stronger, so I try to bring a bit of both to everything I do.

 

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