
Help Desk Employee Bios
Permanent Staff
Mary Nixon 
Mary Nixon is Help Desk Supervisor. She joined IPFW in September 2004. She attended Ball State University. Prior to joining IPFW Mary worked in the computer industry for 22 years with The Future Now and Executrain. She is certified in both Microsoft and Novell. Mary is looking forward to working with her fellow associates in IT to provide premium support for IPFW faculty, staff and students.
Mary has been married to Kim Nixon for 27 years. When Mary's not working, she and Kim enjoy reading, boating and just relaxing at their cottage at Lake James.
Robert Dean 
Robert joined the Help Desk in August of 2007. He served for six years as an Air Force Security Forces member.
Robert is currently seeking a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering. Robert has experience in building computers and local and wireless networks. In his free time he enjoys fishing, outdoor activities, and RC car racing.
Karen Herendeen 
Karen Marie Herendeen joined the Help Desk staff in August 2007. She is currently seeking a bachelor's degree in vocal music performance. In the future, she would like to direct music through community theatre and amateur choirs, and hopes to one day be a published author.
Besides computers and music, Karen enjoys gaming, billiards, poker, literature, and spending time with her friends.
Matt Huhn 
Matt is currently pursuing his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with minors in Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science. After graduation, he would like to try for a Master's in Physics.
When he's not at work or school, he enjoys gaming, working on cars, and spending time with his friends.
Melissa Litmer 
Melissa joined the Help Desk in March 2004, and comes to us with over four years of IT troubleshooting/customer service experience. She is currently pursuing degrees in Middle Childhood and Early Adolescence Education.
In her free time, Melissa likes piña coladas and getting caught in the rain.
Jacob Sonner 
Jacob Sonner, a Computer Science student at IPFW, joined the Help Desk in August of 2007. Jacob has grown up with an inspiration for technology. He has both programmed and worked with computer software and hardware for several years.
Jacob and his fiancee, Katy, were married in a castle in July 2007. While not working at the Help Desk Jacob enjoys programming, working on house projects, playing computer games, and spending time with family and friends.
Student Workers
Adam Bell
Adam Bell joined the Help Desk December of 2008. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems with a discipline in Networking. Owning his own company is aspiration to remain motivated towards finishing school and fulfilling his dreams.
Aside from building computers and troubleshooting systems, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Crystal Boyd 
Crystal joined the help desk in April 2009. She is originally from Alabama and is currently a freshman working on a B.S. in Mechanical engineering with a minor in Mathematics. After graduation, she plans to continue her education in Alabama and work on an agricultural engineering degree.
In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities, working on her truck, and spending time with friends.
Rebecca Brown
Rebecca Brown joined the Help Desk in May of 2009. She is currently pursuing a B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Middle Childhood. She looks forward to teaching in the Fort Wayne area after graduation.
In her spare time she is busy planning a wedding, and looking for a new home. She enjoys softball, tennis, running, and spending time with family and friends.
Nicolette Johnson 
Nicolette Johnson started at the Help Desk in September of 2006. She currently attends school full time at IPFW pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Economics. She is also working towards a certificate in Computer Networking. She joins the Help Desk team with prior knowledge of software and hardware.
In her free time, she enjoys composing music, bowling, playing chess, and shooting pool.
Joy Murphy
Joy started at the Help Desk in April of 2007. She is currently working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance with a minor in Computer Science at IPFW. After graduation, Joy plans to pursue an advanced degree of Juris Doctorate.
When Joy is not at work, she enjoys web design, playing video games, watching football and spending time with friends & family.
Vaughn Novy 
Vaughn joined the Help Desk in March of 2009. He is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Information Systems as a Sophomore. He enjoys working with technology, this interest is what motivates him to continue learning in a field that is constantly evolving.
When not at work Vaughn enjoys paint balling, PC building, gaming, and traveling.
Ben Rueger 
Ben Rueger is pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering Technology with a focus on Network Administration. He has a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Supervision with a certificate in Entrepreneurship from Purdue. Ben enjoys solving all problems (usually computer ones). Out of college he wants to be a Computer Consultant.
When away from campus Ben enjoys working with a local rock band and being social with friends and family.
Paul Stanton 
Paul Stanton joined the help desk in September 2009. He served six years in the Army in the 101st Airborne where he specialized in IT and Satellite Communications; one year of which he served as an Information Management Officer (IMO).
Currently, Paul is a chemistry major and spends most of his time on campus & mdash; in class, studying, or doing research.
John Thorne 
John Thorne joined the Help Desk in August of 2009. John is currently pursuing an undecided technology major. John has had experience in programming and hardware with computers.
In his spare time he enjoys a good book, or a video game to help him relax.
