Menu
Director named for DePauw’s Tenzer Technology Center
Michael J. Boyles, a visualization lab manager who has 12 years of experience managing advanced IT projects and expert technical staff, will serve as the inaugural director of DePauw University’s new Tenzer Technology Center and Visualization Laboratory.
Created by a $10 million gift from the Tenzer Family Foundation -- founded by Lee Tenzer (Class of 1964) and Marilyn Tenzer -- the Tenzer Center will be an engaging and visible high-tech space where students from all majors will develop advanced technology and computing skills.
Boyles will assume his new role July 1.
“DePauw recognized many years ago the power of technology and the need for liberal arts undergraduates to have access to the latest tools and pedagogy so they can leave campus equipped to be change agents in their chosen fields,” Anne F. Harris, vice president for academic affairs, said. “We’re excited with what the Tenzer Center will do for our campus, and are thrilled that Mike Boyles is bringing his talents and vision to this important post.”
Boyles has a B.S. (with distinction) in applied mathematics and computer science and an M.S. in computer science, both from Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI). He did post-master’s work in library and information science at Indiana University in Bloomington.
A lifelong resident of central Indiana, Boyles has spent his entire professional career (19 years) working with visualization technologies in a university setting.
He has managed Indiana University’s Advanced Visualization Lab since 2005, and has taught classes, served as a laboratory manager, and co-authored a lab manual for computing students. He’s authored a number of articles and made presentations during the course of his academic career.
“I am delighted to accept this challenge and work at the intersection of technology and the liberal arts, and I’m energized by what it means for DePauw’s world-class students,” Boyles said. “The Tenzer Technology Center and Visualization Laboratory will be available to all students from any discipline and will be particularly mindful of accessible and useful technologies with broad application across traditionally non-technical areas of study. DePauw students will develop high-level skills in areas such as spatial analysis, data visualization, virtual and augmented reality, 3D digitization and 3D printing, and advanced digital media. Moreover, motivated students will have opportunities to really buy-in and help influence the direction and success of the center.”
DePauw is also creating a Tenzer Technology Intern Program, a broadening and deepening of DePauw’s Information Technology Associates Program (ITAP). It will provide enhanced experiences for students, while also adding opportunities that enable all DePauw students to improve their technology skills in areas such as digital ethics, data visualization and technology entrepreneurism.
The Tenzers’ gift also increased the Founders Fund for Computer Science, recognizing the impact that Robert Thomas, professor emeritus of mathematics and computer science, had on Lee Tenzer during his college career. This fund provides computer science students and faculty access to groundbreaking tools, supports project work that hones their skills, and sponsors programs that help computer science majors prepare for high-tech careers and graduate study.
The Tenzer Center complements DePauw’s other signature programs and centers such as the Kathryn F. Hubbard Center for Student Engagement, the Robert C. McDermond Center for Management and Entrepreneurship, the Eugene S. Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media and the Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics.
”It’s no longer the case that technologists just sort of sit in a corner and work by themselves,” Dave Berque, DePauw’s dean of academic life and professor of computer science at DePauw, has stated. “They’re integrated into all of the other activities that are going on. And one of the things we’re going to be really strong at is producing students who are strong technologically and also have good problem-solving, critical reasoning, teamwork, writing, oral communication and quantitative reasoning skills.”
Earlier this spring, Tenzer announced plans to purchase Windy Hill Country Club in Greencastle, a golf course and banquet center that has been serving West Central Indiana and DePauw since 1955 and was facing an uncertain future.