A woman who contributed enormously to the creation of PennInTouch is now poised to exert even more influence over technology at the University.
Information Systems and Computing, Penn's central computing services provider, recently appointed ISC veteran Robin Beck to the office of vice president.
As vice president, Beck will help lead ISC in delivering various technology tools -- like the Penn Video Network and Penn-InTouch -- to both Penn students and administrators.
"I feel very honored and appreciative of my promotion," she said.
Beck has worked at ISC for almost 12 years. When she first arrived, she helped develop administrative systems technology. Administrative systems within ISC serve to make administrative processes like the student record system more effective and efficient.
Prior to her current position as vice president, Beck served as deputy vice president for a year in place of Jim O'Donnell.
"I find Penn a wonderful, challenging, interesting place where IT people can really make a contribution to the core mission of the University," she said.
Beck's peers said they were not surprised by the appointment.
"We're quite pleased that she's gotten this promotion," University Data Administrator Jeanne Curtis said. "She brings a lot of knowledge and a lot of ability."
Michael Palladino, Associate Vice President for Networking and Telecommunications, said that Beck's qualifications and past experience are more than ample for her new position.
"It's not like her role is changing," he added. "She just has a new title, that's all."
ISC Executive Director of Systems Engineering and Operations Raymond Davis said that Beck's appointment has been received well among ISC staff.
"It's definitely looked at as something that's well earned," he said.
Davis added that Beck's efforts to change people's perception of ISC's work as technology-based, rather than service-based, has been invaluable.
"Through the work of Robin and other senior administrators at the University, the focus has definitely been changed to one of service," he said.
Beck said that ISC will be working on some new projects throughout the upcoming year.
In early January, for instance, ISC plans to release an upgraded electronic catalog that will allow administrators to electronically select necessary items like office supplies for appropriate funds checking and approval.
ISC also recently implemented a new online gift system, so that donors can give financial gifts to Penn via the Internet. Donors use their credit cards to donate in this paperless system.
"That's a perfect example of how Penn and the technology are innovative," Beck said.
