For nearly 35 years, IT Manager David Arndt has been a “fixer” for the School of Public Health, approaching his work with pride, empathy and a continual desire to learn.
The days can be hectic, and one never looks like the next, but it’s fulfilling, he says. “I enjoy solving problems. That’s how I see my personality – as a problem solver – as a fixer. I like trying to figure it out, trying to solve the mystery.”
Arndt worked part-time doing data entry on various research projects at the school for two years before becoming a full-time employee in 1992. He progressed from data entry to programming data systems, eventually becoming data manager. In 2010, he began working as an IT support person for the Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, and now he is part of the centralized IT team in the Dean’s Office.
IT support entails a variety of tasks including data management, device support, software installation, building access administration, AV support for events and meetings, and numerous other duties. Joe Shadwick, another IT manager on the team, calls their work, “a unique blend of challenges, rewards and opportunities for growth.”
“David brings a wealth of technical expertise and a solid understanding of both the technical and organizational aspects of the role,” says Shadwick, who credits Arndt for teaching him much about the job.
Another colleague, IT Manager Adam Orbell, also appreciates how their jobs support life-changing science. “I sometimes wish we could shout it from the rooftops for all to hear just how important Pitt Public Health is locally, nationally and around the globe. There is great work going on here.”
The IT team manages to have some fun also, and Arndt brings a sense of humor which often makes colleagues and clients smile. Shadwick and Arndt talk every day – and their work discussions usually end with the two of them quoting from their favorite movies. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that David has great hair,” laughs Orbell. Arndt is also chair of Pitt Public Health’s Staff Committee, formed in 2022 and recently added as an official standing committee of the School of Public Health Council.
“It's important that there is a presence for staff at Council meetings so that we can remain a priority in school administration, and staff need to have an outlet if something comes up,” explains Arndt. The committee aims to establish and share pathways to voice concerns, ask questions, provide resources and offer suggestions.
“David is the perfect choice to be on the committee. He is able to be our voice to those above us and has all staff’s best interests in mind, not just our IT group,” says Orbell. “He frequently checks in with us to see if we have any comments, questions or concerns and is quick to guide us to answers or take things to leadership.”
As the first chair of this new group, Arndt has been active in shaping the committee. He values feedback from other committee members and school members. “My favorite committee meetings are those where everyone brings something to the table.”
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Arndt, Shadwick and Orbell are part of a team of eight IT professionals at the school, whose work is essential for the institution’s operation. Other team members include Ryan Evans, Joe Germanoski, Peggy Kernan, Tony Snow and Director of IT Mike Singer.
- Caitlin McCullough