MILES CITY, MONTANA: From replacement heifers on the family ranch to replacement hard drives for Miles Community College, Dirk Schmidt’s work experience is wide-ranging.
MCC’s current IT Manager, Schmidt first worked in IT at the college over 20 years ago. After five years, he left to spend time in the private sector, only to return to campus a year and a half ago.
As with most colleges, MCC’s IT systems drive vital processes, from phones to printers to internet access to online learning management systems and more -- making Schmidt’s typical day unpredictable.
“The IT department is intertwined with all the departments of the college, so you never know what the day will bring,” he says. “The day is usually filled with troubleshooting and trying to fix or figure out problems we are having with systems, network, or PCs or printers.”
Schmidt describes himself as a little reserved, conservative, and helpful. He most enjoys being around the students.
“This is a very exciting time in their lives, and it is fun to see them aspire towards their future goals,” he says, adding, “Never stop learning and growing!” In his spare time, Schmidt enjoys helping out on the family ranch near Miles City, as well as spending time with his family. He also enjoys golf, roping and riding, and photography; in fact, one of his “bucket list” goals is to spend time in western Canada and the western US photographing all the major national parks.
Meanwhile, Schmidt can be found patiently working out solutions to the IT problems cropping up for MCC’s administrators, staff, faculty, and students—all in service to what he considers his greatest achievement: “Helping others in their quest to achieve their goals.”
