News

After a remarkable career at Dalhousie Information Technology Services (ITS), Jim Farmer has recently embarked on a well-deserved retirement. Jim joined ITS 10 years ago after a long career as a consultant for businesses and universities.

"Working in higher education was always on my radar," Jim says. When the opportunity to join ITS arose, I immediately applied."

The former Director of Infrastructure and Operations and Deputy Chief Information Officer is proud of ITS's accomplishments and unique culture.

"We've achieved a lot together at Dalhousie," he notes.

Over the past decade, ITS has undergone many organizational and technological changes.  

 “Funding has changed, the technology has changed, the people have changed, and the organization has changed,” he points out.

A dedicated capital budget provided ITS with a steady stream of project funding, drastically changing the organization's landscape. Cutting-edge technologies replaced outdated systems, streamlining operations across the university. Moreover, ITS enjoys a group of highly skilled professionals committed to collaboration and innovation.  

While technology has transformed the way ITS operates, the human element remains crucial.

“The challenge now lies in finding ways to build connection and maintain a sense of community even in a virtual environment,” Jim reflects.

A culture of collaboration 

For Jim, ITS has a unique work environment: a culture of collaboration with a highly motivated and dedicated team. The work environment is enjoyable, and a sense of community drives the team. The university prioritizes a pleasant work environment where employee well-being matters.

“Team dedication is driven by a desire to contribute, not by external pressure,” he emphasizes.

While reflecting on his time at the university, one project came to his mind: the networking initiative.

"While I'm happy with what we've accomplished overall, one slight regret is not fully completing the networking project," he acknowledges.

For retirement, Jim envisions a future filled with hobbies, travel, and the freedom to explore new possibilities.

“I will enjoy each day as a new canvas,” he says.