McIntosh Powers Ithaca IT Department
McIntosh Powers Ithaca IT Department
By Dan Silvia, Communications Manager
A nearly 25-year career in the Air Force kept Keith W. “Mac” McIntosh moving around the globe. His Bellevue University degree has been a critical factor in his career advancement.
Mac’s latest career stop is at Ithaca College as the Associate Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer. McIntosh joined Ithaca College, a comprehensive residential campus community of 7,000 students nestled in the scenic Finger Lakes region in the heart of upstate New York, in August 2014. His job responsibilities include providing vision, leadership, oversight, and management for the College’s academic and administrative information technology services, facilities, hardware, software, and staff.
Mac is starting the New Year with a number of resolutions.
“The chief challenges/opportunities I look forward to tackling in 2015 are developing and implementing a robust IT Strategy, creating an IT Governance process, and restructuring our IT department to be agile and flexible,” said McIntosh.
Two tours at Offutt Air Force Base helped put Bellevue University on Mac’s radar. He took his first Bellevue University class in the fall of 2001 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Management of Information Systems in January 2003. A smooth enrollment process got Mac off on the right foot, but he did have a little extra help with that.
“I was fortunate my wife, Penny, who also earned her degree from Bellevue University, also worked in Enrollment Management at Bellevue University,” he said.
Interaction with faculty and peers were among the highlights of Mac’s time at the University, with the Kirkpatrick Signature Series among his favorite classes.
“It stands out because the faculty really challenged me to think critically about each and every topic we discussed and for me to identify and develop my own core values,” McIntosh said. “I came away from my Bellevue University experience with many things -- improved communication (oral and written) skills, improved critical thinking, and a great sense of pride from pursuing and completing my degree.”
McIntosh’s Air Force career saw him stationed in South Korea, Iraq, Colorado, Texas and Arizona in addition to his time in Bellevue.
“The most enjoyable part of my Air Force career was getting to meet and work alongside highly dedicated and professional people,” said McIntosh. “I am thankful for the many training opportunities I received, the superb staff I was fortunate to lead, and for the outstanding leaders I was privileged to serve. I enjoyed being stationed with my father, CMSgt James L. McIntosh (Ret.), during my first tour at Offutt Air Force Base.”
McIntosh credited his Bellevue University experience with developing the necessary skills to earn his MBA in 2008 and advance in his career.
“I believe the pursuit and attainment of my degree improved my critical thinking and communication skills while I served in the Air Force. This greatly aided my growth and development as senior leader in the Air Force. It also enabled me to enroll in and complete my master’s degree,” McIntosh said. “Ultimately, I would not be a Chief Information Officer without my undergraduate and graduate degrees.”
Interested in an IT degree from Bellevue University? Visit www.bellevue.edu or call 1-800-756-7920.