Terry Conner

UWF Degree/Grad. Yr.:
BS Systems Science, 1973

Why did you choose to attend UWF?
I originally enrolled at UWF to be a Marine Science major, but later switched to Systems Science-Commercial, as it was called then. As it turned out, this was a much stronger match for my skills, and with a young family, meant that I had greater earnings potential immediately upon graduation.

What were your goals as a student?
I was very focused on building the business skills needed to jump start a career, since I was an older student (ex-military, married, etc.) I always approached classes with the idea that I would get everything out of them that I could, and with the idea that the professors would help me when I needed it if they saw my work ethic. I always looked for a solid relationship with them in that regard, and don’t believe I ever had a bad experience with the teaching staff at UWF. I was also a full time employee of the university, so I had the opportunity to see the university from that perspective, which helped me as well.

What is your best memory from your days at UWF?
I think some of my best memories were tied to spring weather. Having moved from the north, it was a treat to attend a campus where trees were green, flowers were starting to bloom and the days were warm as you went to class, while they were still having winter conditions at home in Ohio.

Who was your favorite professor and why?
That is a tough one, since we were fortunate to have quite a few really good ones. If I had to choose though, it would have to be Dr. Littleton. He had a “real world” sense about things, and could help you relate to how the courses were going to make it possible for you to get ahead in your career. He had worked for NASA and just done some really neat things in his professional life. Plus he was SMART in a real-world way, which I always appreciated.

What do you do now and how did UWF help you progress to this point?
I spent 21 years with EDS, going from a systems trainee to a Division Vice President, then 10 years as a Chief Information Officer with Liberty Mutual in Boston. I retired in 2004. I think I can honestly say that the education and experience that I received at UWF was a key factor in getting my first job at EDS. As a company focused on solving business problems, they appreciated the way UWF had approached the curriculum for the systems science-commercial degree. Having a strong education in systems courses, coupled with excellent business courses provided a balanced package that they were looking for. These skills served me well for many years.

Please describe any other areas that you are involved in, such as volunteer work, mentoring, serving on various Boards, etc.?
Over the past 30 plus years I have served on the boards of Habitat for Humanity, the United Way, Dental Services of Massachusetts, and many other not-for-profit organizations. I continue to serve on several boards and work informally with up and coming CIO candidates through round table organizations or university affiliated work groups.

How do you stay connected to UWF?
We still have a lot of friends and (almost) family in Pensacola, and we keep tabs on what is going on with UWF in that way. They send articles from the paper, and generally keep us up to date. Of course, we also receive the Argonaut and read it cover to cover. I also have fairly frequent conversations and conference calls as a member of the team that is helping UWF work toward securing and growing its future.

What advice do you have for current and future UWF students?
Wring every last ounce of good that you can from your experiences at UWF. You never know when or where those lessons will come to the surface and help when you need them. And as corny as it may sound, your family and friends have likely helped you and/or encouraged you, and you should respect that by getting the most you can from the experience and doing all you can to make them proud.

What quality makes UWF special or unique?
It may not be totally unique, but it is certainly in the forefront in terms of keeping a focus on real-world issues and challenges. I believe UWF continues to prepare students by teaching skills for today’s world, encouraging them to work hard, to be creative and to solve problems. Those qualities will always be in demand, and as long as the university keeps them at the top of the priority list, I believe it will continue to grow and be successful through its graduates.

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