Student Affairs IT: Beth and Neil's Mission to Make Technology Work for Staff
Behind the Screens: IT@ND6 Okt 2025

Student Affairs IT: Beth and Neil's Mission to Make Technology Work for Staff

In this episode of Behind the Screens: IT at ND, Diana and Scooter sit down with campus tech superheroes Beth Padgett and Neil Kovatch — the dynamic duo powering the tech behind Student Affairs at Notre Dame. With nearly 200 staff across 40+ buildings, Beth and Neil manage everything from the expected (laptops and logins) to the completely unexpected (X-ray machines and Peloton bikes 😮). From spinning up networks for Rec Sports to tackling high-stakes laundry drama (yes, really), they’re the hidden force keeping student life connected. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a behind-the-scenes peek at what it takes to support tech across residence halls, Campus Ministry, Career Development, Health & Wellness, and beyond. Spoiler alert: washers and dryers are way more complicated than you think.
In this episode, you will hear about:

  • Massive Installations: Neil details his coordination of 112 CWP (Computer Workstation Program) installs/swaps over a six-month period, representing about half of their fleet.

  • Enterprise Systems: The team discusses supporting niche, large-scale applications such as Starz (the housing management system), Handshake (career development), Fusion (Rec Sports), and various case management systems like AccessD and Titanium.

  • Innovative Projects: Beth explains their involvement in high-level projects, including helping the Student Government investigate the use of AI for accessing club data, working on a technology roadmap to consolidate niche tools, and the implementation of NFC (Near Field Communication) technology for student digital IDs used for access and payment.

  • The IT Pitch: Beth describes Student Affairs as being "at the heartbeat of the university" and emphasizes that their role is "to make technology work for you". Neil highlights the importance of pursuing good relationships with all the staff they support.

  • Consultant Quirks: Learn why Beth identifies with Thelma from Scooby-Doo and how her family history connects directly to the famous "Play Like a Champion Today" sign in the stadium. Plus, find out what job Neil would pursue if he left IT (hint: it involves making ramen and Thai food).


About this podcast:
Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame, where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Diana Garcia (IT Support Technician: Service Desk) give you a behind-the-scenes look at what IT consultancy is all about. Whether you're deep in the IT world or just curious about how technology powers a university, this podcast is for you.

Each episode gives insight into Information Technology at Notre Dame — with focus on how IT consultants support the University, breaking down the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they create. From interviews with experts driving key campus projects to practical tips for making the most of your tech, this podcast explains how IT teams work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly across campus.

With this podcast, not only will you learn how technology professionals at Notre Dame help shape and support the future of the University, but you'll also get helpful insights and strategies to help you stay ahead.

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