Jeff Sperling has been hired as Enterprise Systems Coordinator for the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC). Sperling, a 1996 graduate of UMC’s Information Network Management program, is the current owner/partner of NewTech Computer Systems in Crookston.

The UMC system is part of the University of Minnesota Enterprise Systems Project which involves replacement of the University's current information systems in several administrative and academic departments – student services, human resources, finance, and grants management; simplifying complicated policies and procedures, eliminating unnecessary approvals, and automating routine manual tasks wherever possible; and training managers and staff to use the technology effectively and rethink their own business processes.

"We're very excited to hire someone with Jeff's background and experience in computing. We know he'll provide important guidance and leadership for the campus as we implement the new PeopleSoft student and human resource systems. His efforts will enable us to take full advantage of the capabilities of the new software," said Bob Nelson, vice chancellor for student affairs.

The Enterprise Systems Project involves replacing the University's numerous administrative systems with a comprehensive, integrated information system that meets nearly all administrative needs. It may be the most ambitious and mission-critical project ever undertaken by the University, and requires an entirely new approach that involves setting aside traditional University turf barriers to work together to achieve a common goal.

In the past, human resources, student systems, financial systems and grants management systems were all "islands" with their own decision makers, systems and funding. Recognizing that all these systems shared goals, challenges, and opportunities made working together a logical solution. By bringing together the people responsible for each of these areas to develop system-wide solutions, the University not only shares expertise and eliminates redundant effort, but also increases coordination and cooperation, by uniting under a common umbrella of shared responsibility and accountability.

On the Crookston campus Sperling will work under the Office of Student Affairs.

Sperling is a 1980 graduate of Central High School in Grand Forks, a 1988 graduate from UMC with an associate degree in sales and marketing and banking and financial management; and a 1996 Magna Cum Laude graduate with a bachelor of science degree in Information Network management.