Our Team
Steve Rathbun: IS Manager – Network Engineering
What is your job?
I manage the Network Engineering Team that is responsible for management, configuration, monitoring and troubleshooting of WSU’s IT network infrastructure.
What is a typical day at work for you?
In networking, every day brings new challenges. I Design, build, and configure new network infrastructure. Maintain, upgrade, and improve existing network systems, components, and connections including Routers, Firewalls, Switches, LANs, WANs, VPNs, Wireless networks and much more. Essentially, I along with our team build the pathways for students, faculty, and staff to communicate with one another and colleagues around the world as they carry out our institutional mission to educate, create and disseminate knowledge. At times things don’t always go as planned and when that happens, I work to troubleshoot the issues, help triage solutions, and restore a service that is broken. TEAM is a key component for much of what I do. We have a great team here at WSU.
Why should someone choose WSU and Pullman? Why did you?
In my 33 years at WSU, I have found WSU to be an awesome place to work and grow professionally. Allowing me to support my family, participate in my kids’ activities, and build relationships that will last a lifetime. I have lived near and around Pullman for 53 years and it will always be considered home even though I now live in Vancouver, WA and more actively support that campus in addition to my other duties. I have found WSU Vancouver to be as warm and inviting as WSU Pullman. I am truly honored to be part of WSU community!
What is one tip you can offer to new employees?
Great things can happen if we work together as a TEAM!
Keela Ruppenthall: IT Security Consultant
What is your job?
My job is to support WSU’s IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance activities. I provide consultation and guidance to WSU Business Units for anything related to WSU IT Security Policies, IT Security Standards, IT Security and Risk Assessments, and Regulated Data Compliance Requirements.
What is a typical day at work for you?
A typical day depends on what I’m working on. Policy development and support requires research and writing, Security and Risk Assessments involves finding and reporting on actionable information in large Excel files, and regulated data compliance support almost always involves research into requirements and technologies. IT Security requires me to be familiar with a broad range of IT topics that span the whole spectrum of our IT support environment. I learn something new every day.
Why should someone choose WSU and Pullman?
The best part of WSU is the students. They share their talents and are actively involved in the community. Their presence brings a positive energy to the area. Pullman is a small town with larger town support and activities. There are a surprising number of things to do for such a small community.
Why did you?
When I interviewed for my job, they asked me why I wanted to come to Pullman. I said I was looking for a good place to raise a family. It turns out that Pullman is a fantastic place for a family.
What is one tip you can offer to new employees?
The best general tip I can offer is, never stop learning. A WSU specific tip, the hills will make you stronger, don’t fight it.
Jonathan Lee: IT Project Management
What is your job?
I help manage, coordinate, and support various projects that come to the Enterprise Systems Group. I am often working with users at all levels of the university to ensure that our projects meet the goals and needs of WSU. Sometimes my role in a project is high-level managing and coordinating and other times my role is working very specific tasks to provide support for a project. I am glad my job gets to experience a wide range of tasks in the IT and project field.
What is a typical day at work for you?
As many would say, my typical day varies depending on what needs to be done. Besides being in regular project meetings, I usually am planning and scheduling next steps for a project, collaborating with project sponsors and stakeholders, or preparing/composing various project documents. I also work in the systems we are implementing to assist the team and expand my knowledge base.
Why should someone choose WSU and Pullman?
WSU is a great organization and Pullman has an amazing community. Being from SoCal, it’s nice to live somewhere that experiences all four seasons and is surrounded by the picturesque rolling hills of the Palouse. The ebb and flow of living in a small, college town provides such a unique experience that has changed me for the better. I would recommend WSU and Pullman to anyone who is looking to be a part of a strong community with beautiful scenery.
What is one tip you can offer to new employees?
I always recommend just trying to learn as much as you can. Understanding systems, teams, and processes will be tremendously helpful when trying to accomplish goals and meet milestones.