Andra Collins

ITS Division: Enterprise Systems

Service Area: Cloud Operations/Server & Software Virtualization

What services do you and your teammates provide to campus?

We provide server and software virtualization technology. For example, let's say a Business & Economics student needs to use the STATA software and it's not provided in any of our computer labs. That student can utilize Virtual Den. 

 

The University of Kentucky uses Citrix technologies to provide the Virtual Den portal for students to access a number of software packages that are used in student courses. The benefit of this technology is that it allows access to software and desktops anytime from anywhere. 

What campus units do you collaborate with?

We work with students, faculty, and staff—both at the main campus as well as HealthCare. In particular, all of the pharmacy students use the QS1 software via Virtual Den, so we're consistently involved in that process. Additionally, W.T. Young Library has public computers that use the Virtual Den desktop. 

 

My focus tends to be on the academic side. I work with cloud applications and virtual desktops. Peak usage can be over 6,000 launches in a given month. 

What are your workplace values?

It's very important for me to provide a quality product to those who are depending on my services. It's important for the University community to work together, and I believe "it takes a village" to accomplish our ultimate goal of educating students. Teamwork is important. Ultimately we're all here to help the students succeed. 

What is your favorite part of working in ITS and UK?

The opportunity to learn new things. I think that's what draws a lot of people to IT—it's how quickly the technology changes. Our field is always evolving, and this can regularly present unanticipated challenges. It's very gratifying to be able to work through and conquer those challenges.