In our monthly series, we spotlight the remarkable achievements and contributions of individuals who are making a difference in higher education.
We recently spoke with Inas Abousharkh, the Director of Information Technology at Ajman University.
Can you share a bit about your background?
I have worked in higher education for 27 years and have a background in computer science with a master’s degree in IT Management and Business Intelligence. I specialize in implementing digital transformation strategies, IT governance, and ensuring compliance with the accreditation standards in the United Arab Emirates, and international accreditations like Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASCs) or other international accreditations for certain programs. My role involves managing IT systems that support academic and administrative functions, including information security services and e-learning solutions.
What inspired you to pursue a career in higher education?
I was inspired because working in higher education gives me a unique opportunity to support students and academics. Working with different generations keeps me energized and motivates me to keep learning. It is fulfilling to contribute to an environment that fosters learning and growth.
Has there been a specific moment in your career that you consider a milestone or turning point?
I was tasked with resolving a crisis during the launch of a new student registration system in 2012. The system had been implemented without IT involvement. The service provider was incapable and lacked experience, which led to serious issues for students and faculty. The management assigned me to handle this crisis, and I had very little time to gather my team and collaborate with the company and the service provider. I decided that we could not go back because we already started the registration process for a new semester. There would be a big loss of 20% of the students' registrations if we rolled back everything.
Long story short, we were able to control all the chaos, register all the students, resolve all these registrations, and rectify all the issues and differences we faced. The experience taught me the importance of leadership, learning to trust management, and working closely with my team to manage crises effectively.
What emotions were you feeling throughout that process, and how did you manage?
I was overwhelmed at some moments. It was a huge learning experience for me. It taught me that whenever I step into anything, I have to listen to people. I have to trust my instinct and focus on how we can resolve the problems. When people are facing issues, they are upset, angry, and talking about things not related to how I can help them. I'm trying to align people to focus on how we can resolve these issues. It was a learning experience that I always remember.
When I have big projects, not only software or application implementations but also huge systems and security infrastructures, learning management systems, supports, and tools, I deal with different types of stakeholders like students, parents, faculty members, and staff. Some systems serve all these types of stakeholders and require a lot of attention to differences.
Can you think of a time when you significantly impacted a student’s life?
During COVID-19, visually impaired students needed help installing a software reader. Due to the (COVID-19) restrictions on campus, one of my team members volunteered to assist him in person and ensure that all his online tools were accessible. She drove outside campus, helped him with all this, and taught him to listen to the text, use the software, and open the online lectures.
This taught me that we can be responsive to students’ needs, especially in challenging times like COVID-19. It showed me the true value of our work in IT, which directly supports students’ education and makes a real difference in their academic journey.
Is there anything about your work that you would change?
If I could change one thing, it would be more proactive involvement in decision-making processes, especially when it comes to IT systems. Sometimes users are confused or overwhelmed. They assume that whatever system they adopt will help them. They are not focusing on what will understand their needs and if that software or an application provides the services they need or the workflow processes.
Our offices and colleges trust IT, which helps us a lot. They can come to us earlier when they think of current software and ask us to help them decide what they should look at and adopt. This is critical, and it would be good if we were involved at an earlier stage when adopting any IT or technology.
What advice would you give to someone new who wants to make a positive impact in higher education?
My main advice is to listen, stay student-focused, and be adaptable. Digest the changes and growth around you, understand and support the students and faculty, and work collaboratively to find solutions that enhance the learning experience. Building strong relationships and aligning your vision with your organization's goals will help you make a lasting impact.
How do you stay motivated and inspired in your work? What keeps you going?
I focus on the purpose of my work- supporting students and faculty. I have a passion for working with different generations and understanding their needs. Having a purpose for what you are doing and seeing the results or the outcomes of your work motivates me. I like knowing that my efforts contribute to their success.
I also rely on my team. When you have a good team, you can deliver and trust them to navigate different challenges together. That inspires me. Working with the team you built with trust gives me the strength to push through difficult times.
What’s your favorite college tradition?
I love the hackathon organized by the College of Engineering and IT and the College of Architecture and Design. It brings a lot of ideas and motivates students. The environment is full of energy, ideas, and new solutions.
Do you have anything else to add?
I believe anyone choosing to work in higher education should have a passion. You have to want to do this job. It's not like any other job—whether IT or an administrative job.
Working for higher education institutions and seeing generations go through different challenges, I believe that we have to always work to inspire our team, motivate them, and keep them focused on having a clear vision for how we can make their life better. We have to think of our children. I always try to give them the environment I want my kids to grow up and learn.
