UNC-CH Information Technology Services

Smythe retires after 30 years of service to University IT

When Jeanne Smythe retires from UNC–Chapel Hill on Jan. 31, she’ll have spent more than 30 years working in technology for the University. That’s an interesting career for someone who came to the University to get a doctorate in philosophy.

Smythe moved to North Carolina after earning a math degree from the University of Michigan. In 1975, after finishing the coursework for her degree in philosophy, Smythe started work for the UNC Computing Center as a technical writer. The subsequent series of jobs included everything from working with a mechanical scanner to supporting and maintaining the academic mainframe computer. She worked with Paul Jones, now the director of ibiblio.org, to create an e-mail system designed to serve about 20 users in the University’s administration. By the time the system was phased out, there were 6,000 users. Jones remembers that Smythe was the first woman he knew to work in systems and proved her worth with ease. Smythe helped with the transition from the Triangle Universities Computer Center and also the academic mainframe.

Smythe’s most important work for the University started in 1998 with her work on the Y2K project. The next year Smythe headed the newly created Security Office and also acted as the University’s copyright agent. In 2002 she added the role of security officer for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

“Jeanne has been an integral link between ITS and a wide range of governing, administrative, policy, legal and law enforcement agencies,” said John Oberlin, associate vice chancellor for IT. “She has a very unique and broad set of personal and professional skills. Jeanne was a valued member of the ITS/ATN senior management team. She is not only an outstanding contributor and worker for the University, but also a wonderful and inspirational person.”

With all the changes and challenges, Smythe still enjoys her work. She thinks it’s the perfect job for anyone who is easily bored, since every day brings something new. But she’s interested in spending more time with her family and traveling. While she’ll miss the work, Smythe is ready for a break and then possibly some completely new and different challenges.

Robyn East, associate vice chancellor for IT and deputy CIO, announced that Doug Brown will assist in the leadership of the security team during the search for a new security officer.

“Jeanne has been a valued member of the University’s IT community, and she will certainly be missed.” East said. “We wish her the very best as she enters a new phase of her life.”