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Staff Spotlight: Jeffrey Otto ‘09 (Organizational Management) and Joseph Otto ‘22 (Marketing)
Working at the same university has been a rewarding experience for the father-son duo of Jeff and Joe Otto. Despite being employed in different departments at Roberts, they share a deep sense of pride in their roles.
Let’s learn more about this father and son who are thriving at Roberts Wesleyan University.
Tell me about yourself and your background.
Joe: My journey at Roberts started as an undergraduate marketing student. I was a student worker one summer in the IT department, which was a cool experience.
As a senior, I landed an internship as a web designer in the fantastic marketing department, and then I discovered I enjoyed working on the web. Toward the end of my internship, as fortune would have it, a position for a Junior Digital Web Designer came about. I got the job and it's been going well, and it will be two years in August.
Jeff in the Army Reserves
Jeff: I have been in the technology field for close to 26 years at Roberts Wesleyan University and 14 years in the Army Reserves.
When I was younger, as I was trying to find the right career field, my mother suggested I should pursue a career in Information Technology. She told me God gave me an incredible gift of working with technology.
At first, I thought I didn’t really want to work in IT, I wanted to work in something more exciting. I was originally going to college to become a physical education teacher.
But when I joined the Army Reserves, I picked up an Information Technology military occupational skill. I figured that could be my backup plan, but I quickly realized I really loved technology and decided to switch to that career track.
My mom really shaped my career path by recognizing certain gifts in me and encouraging me to go in that direction. That is something I am forever grateful for.
The Otto family celebrating their daughter’s recent graduation
Even though you don’t work together closely on a daily basis, what do you appreciate about having your father/son as a resource on campus?
Joe: It has definitely been a cool experience to be able to work at the same place as my Dad and have connections in IT. I appreciate that he can no longer put me in timeout which is a major advantage.
Jeff: My goal has always been to work at Roberts and see my kids come here and graduate. Never in a million years did I dream about Joseph working at Roberts as well. That has been a huge bonus for me. God answered that prayer and a little extra.
How does your role impact students?
Joe: I am a Junior Digital Web Designer, and in my role, I work on various projects, from content updates, digital design, website maintenance, and development of our website. I strive to have up-to-date information, ease of use, and an excellent user experience for all website visitors.
Jeff: I am currently the Interim Chief Information Officer at Roberts. My former role was Senior Director of Network Operations and Infrastructure. I am enjoying leading the IT Department during this season.
In my new role, I get to attend a lot more meetings than before. That has given me the chance to get to know more people across campus and find ways we can better support them. I especially enjoy collaborating with other departments and supporting their technology needs.
My goal is to have the maximum server uptime as possible with our network resources to ensure maximum user experience for our faculty, staff and students.
Joe graduating in 2022
What do you love most about your job?
Joe: I love the positive atmosphere and community; it's rare to have a place that is so welcoming and friendly. I enjoy being creative and technical, and the web fits both of these buckets.
Jeff: I love being part of a Christian community where I can openly talk about my faith. My coworkers have become family and friends, not just people I work with. We have seen each other's kids grow up over the years and start to pursue their dreams and goals.
Also, I really love technology. My brain is always spinning and thinking about the technology I work on at Roberts. Even on my days off, I find myself thinking about the cool network projects I am working on.
The Ottos at a football game
How do you see your role connecting to Roberts’ mission?
Joe: My role is to help serve our students through their transformational journey here by supporting and keeping them informed with up-to-date information and ease of use on the website.
Jeff: Part of the mission statement is to help prepare service-oriented people who will help transform society. I lead a team of service-oriented people who have a strong desire to provide the best technology solutions to the Roberts community.
My supervisor Simao DaSilva (VP of Operations & Business Development) has a similar saying, “Lead from the front.” Leading from the front means leading through your actions, leading with integrity, accountability, innovation, and being true to yourself.
Pumpkin (right) and Patch
What is one thing about you that people might be surprised to know?
Joe: One thing about me is that I have two rabbits named Pumpkin and Patch.
Jeff: I come from a Dutch background. Three out of my four grandparents immigrated from the Netherlands to the United States or Canada. My mom was born in Canada just a few months after her parents immigrated from the Netherlands.
I love visiting my Dutch relatives up in Canada and eating authentic Dutch meals. And yes… that includes salted licorice.
Salted licorice
Photo credit: Marcin Floryan
Any interesting projects to highlight?
Joe: I am currently working with the Web Team on a massive web redesign that will bring a fresh, modern look to and incorporate the All In brand campaign messaging and look and feel. We’re introducing new colors and quality-of-life improvements to make navigation and user experience better for everyone.
The new web redesign is still in progress. But here’s an example of how we’re featuring the new look on our homepage already.
Jeff: The one project I am most proud of is designing and building the data center in Anderson Hall. Before moving from Smith Hall to Anderson Hall about nine years ago, I was tasked with researching and building a state-of-the-art data center for our campus. I spent many hours on this project as it was very exciting for me.
What’s one of your interests outside of work?
Joe: I am an avid gamer. I enjoy playing, hosting, and modding various video games.
I also have dabbled in various technological projects such as web hosting and Linux servers, having my own network-attached storage device, and learning different quality-of-life software systems to make my digital life easier.
Jeff: I love to barbeque, especially smoking different meats. Patrick Glantz, one of my friends and coworkers, is also an avid barbeque smoker. We frequently share recipes and text each other what we were smoking or grilling for dinner.
What is your favorite quote or verse and why?
Joe: "Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't." -Sam Sulek
Jeff: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
My wife Mary frequently shared that scripture verse with me during my deployment overseas. I would read that verse and then other scriptures every day I was deployed. That verse helped me get through a year-long deployment and being separated from my family.