Have you ever thought about enlisting in the Army? What about joining a research program? These career paths may seem unrelated to technology but many of our UNLV Information Technology (IT) leaders started their careers just like this.

No matter what area of study you’re currently pursuing at UNLV, technology provides a wide range of career opportunities for each and every person. If you’re curious in learning more about a career in technology, come talk to UNLV IT leadership on Sept. 4 during the Fall 2024 Involvement Fair.

The UNLV IT booth will be located on Pida Plaza, where students can discuss potential IT career paths with our UNLV IT leadership. Check out a little bit about each IT leader that will be at the booth.

Matt Kole, Associate Director of Network Development and Engineering
10-10:30 a.m 
Our associate director of network development and engineering is in charge of making sure the campus wired and wireless (WiFi) network runs smoothly for all our Rebels. With his background in management information systems, along with on-the-job training, Kole now leads a team that keeps UNLV's complex network running in over 100 buildings and outdoor areas on campus. Kole is also responsible for ensuring our network has the most up-to-date technology, as seen with the most recent installations of the artificial intelligence wireless system in the Advanced Engineering Building, Maryland Administration Building 2, UNLV Bookstore, and the Robert L. Bigelow Physics Building in the near future.

“Any learning is valuable for a career in IT,”  Kole said. “I try to help however I can and enjoy seeing my team grow and succeed as we expand and improve connectivity across the university.”

Bob Soulliere, Assistant Vice President for Digital Services and Solutions
10:30-11 a.m. 
From overseeing classroom technology services, our help desk, online learning services such as WebCampus, and ensuring our computer labs are accessible for all students, our assistant vice president for digital services and solutions assists many of our IT teams in providing the best resources to our campus community. Despite starting his early career as a youth minister, Soulliere always had an interest in technology and how it can be leveraged to make the world a better place. Now at UNLV, you will most likely see him during various campus events, such as Rebel Ready Week and Pie on Pida, as he strives to connect students, faculty, and staff with key IT services they may need throughout their studies.

Kivanc Oner, Digital Transformation and Chief Information Officer
11-11:30 a.m 
Starting his career at another top-rated public research university, our vice president for digital transformation and chief information officer uses his expertise to make sure the technology you use on campus supports student success at UNLV. Earning his bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Bogazici University in Turkey, Oner later pursued his master’s degree in computer science here in the United States and has been a part of UNLV IT for almost 20 years. Oner is passionate about preparing students once they graduate from UNLV, which he does so by ensuring IT student employees participate in learning experiences that will prepare them for their future career.  

Carrie Trentham, Assistant Vice President for Digital Enablement 
11:30 a.m-12 p.m 
Every time you log into MyUNLV to check your grades or enroll in your classes, you’re interacting with a service provided by our assistant vice president for digital enablement. With prior experience working in undergraduate admissions and recruitment, Trentham is determined to provide efficient and necessary services for our students, faculty, and staff to thrive at UNLV. She also oversees the Rebel Success Hub, which allows students to effectively communicate with advisors, faculty, college leadership, and other campus partners. In her almost 20 years at UNLV, Trentham continues to offer new features and functionalities for our campus community.

Todd Prins, Director of Enterprise Systems
12-12:30 p.m 
Our director of enterprise systems manages one of the key tools used by countless Rebels each day, your ACE login. Prins is in charge of guaranteeing your ACE account is ready to use at your convenience, so you can efficiently and securely log into the campus applications you need to succeed in your studies. He started his work in IT while being the editor for his university’s newspaper, where he used his interest in technology to update school computers, continuing his journey in technology ever since. Now at UNLV IT, he supports many important services that keep the technology at the university up and running.

Hector Ibarra, Associate Director of Client Services 
12:30-1p.m
While on campus, you may see our associate director of client services popping into the help desk or making sure RebelCard services are running smoothly. Ibarra got his first glimpse into the world of technology in high school, where he got to experience and learn more about technology he was interested in. Starting out at UNLV IT as a public service intern, he’s worked hard to become our associate director who now oversees a wide range of campus services that help students get the technology help they need on a daily basis.

“My favorite part of working in IT is helping people,” Ibarra said. “Being a part of UNLV IT means we get to play a role in helping students achieve their education goals. These students will go on to do incredible things for the world and we get the opportunity to play a small part in their journey.”  

Vito Rocco, Chief Information Security Officer
12:30-1 p.m
Our chief information security officer spent the early part of his career in the field artillery of the Army, where he eventually reclassified into a more IT-centered position and used his passion for cybersecurity to push his IT career even further. At UNLV IT, Rocco is in charge of making sure the university is using best practices when it comes to cybersecurity and protecting the university from potential cyber threats. In enhancing campus security, he continues to provide the best and most secure possible resources for students such as Okta Verify.

“Cybersecurity is never the same thing twice. Every day you encounter situations that are just a little bit different and need to be dealt with differently,” Rocco said. “My advice for students is to do something you are passionate about. When you truly want to learn something, it's extremely easy to do so.”