As the recently-hired director of Enrollment Systems Administration at The University of Memphis, Doris Stepp says she is continuously working to make the office more efficient and user-friendly.
Stepp, who has worked in higher education for 16 years and in the computer field for 26 years, left her position as desktop systems manager at Southwest Tennessee Community College last fall to accept the position here as director.
"I had to be very diversified to get this job," Stepp said.
While maintaining the computers in the entire enrollment services division, Stepp said the Enrollment Systems office also takes care of all the computer needs of the Financial Aid department, Admissions, Student Relations, the Registrar's office and Adult Student Development. The department also handles the installation of hardware and software, maintains web pages and advises other offices in the Administration Building on technological purchases.
"We support computer systems for approximately 250 users, and maintain five servers for Enrollment Services," said Pat Prahalathan, one of two local technical support providers in the office.
"We are constantly busy around here," Stepp said. "This office is very much needed."
Stepp said she's delighted to be working with and directing the other four staff members who make up the department: Pat Prahalathan and Ron Jennings (technical support providers), Sharon Taylor (system support specialist for student information systems) and Phyllis Ryan (computer systems assistant).
"A positive attitude is the most important thing in an office," Stepp said. "I try to concentrate on the positive aspects in everyone."
Stepp said she's started a team approach with her staff. She said it is important to her that everyone is involved in the decisions that are made. She also said she believes in giving praise when praise is due.
"I feel that we have come together in this department, and that people have a better attitude," she said.
Stepp said her ideas for teamwork in her office come from her role-model, Golda Meir, who is famous for her proposition to make peace instead of war.
Stepp's staff members said they appreciate her methods of running the office and welcome the change.
"She is very open and supportive," Taylor said. "Since Doris has been here, I have been able to learn about different kinds of software. I have also been able to attend some computer classes."
Prahalathan said, "During the transition phase, before Doris arrived, we didn't have a leadership figure, and we had to figure out a lot on our own. Now we are able to do a lot more."
"I enjoy my job as director more that any other job I have ever had," Stepp said. "The directors have been very supportive since I have been here. Dr. (Donald) Carson, Bill Akey, the directors of Enrollment Services and the staff have been kind."
