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 20 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 25 years. When Mary's not working, she and Kim enjoy reading, boating and just relaxing at their cottage at Lake James.
Bret Fraizer
Bret Fraizer, an ex-Navy man, joined the Help Desk in July of 2002. He is currently seeking a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology with a Certificate in Computer Networking. Bret is not new to IT Services, he has been a Student Consultant two years and will continue to work in the labs part time.
Bret likes to do yard work and home remodeling in his spare time. He has been known to read and study Math. Bret also likes surfing for inexpensive things on eBay. He believes that he has bought some items from Mandi. Bret has recently taken up Martial arts and likes it a lot.
Words of wisdom: You know where you are going when you get there!!
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.
Kathie Surface
Kathie joined the Help Desk Team in June 2004. She has a strong background in tech support and customer service and expects joining the IPFW Help Desk will be an enriching experience.
Not a Fort Wayne native, but she has spent the major portion of her life here in Fort Wayne. She and husband, Mike, have two daughters, Sarah and Rachel. They are grown and nearly grown. She enjoys both active and inactive pursuits. Her current favorites are photo, sound, and video editing.
She is addicted to learning and has become a student again, mostly for her own enjoyment. If a certification or degree results from these classes, then so much the better.
Jon Ware
Jonathan joined the Help Desk in February 2007 as a student worker. In April of 2007, he was hired on as a permanent part-time employee.
He is currently a student at IPFW attempting a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and a minor in Music Performance. He has obtained a Microsoft Certification in Windows XP and is currently working on a Microsoft Vista Certification. After college, Jon plans to obtain a job as a Software Engineer.
In his imaginary spare time, Jon likes to write programs, play his marimba, and hang out with friends. This imaginary time is also good for sleep, as imaginary time should be!
Robert Williams
Robert Williams has worked in the IT arena for over 10 years. Prior to joining IT Services' staff in January 2003, he worked for Lincoln Life, IBM and Aon. He has played semi-pro football for the now defunct Fort Wayne Rhino's, and prior to that he played on the USMC's Fox Company football team while serving active duty.
In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, golfing, and softball--when he is not working on "MAX", his home's computer
Student Workers
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.
Joe Hawkins
Joe joined the Help Desk in November of 2006. He is currently working towards a BS in Business Marketing and Management while minoring in Information Systems here at IPFW. He has spent the last couple years working with hardware, software, and studying the world of network creation and support. He is currently working towards the A+, MCSE, and CNA certifications. In his free time he enjoys building computers, playing video games, watching the Colts, and of course, IU basketball.
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.
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 Business. She is also working towards a certificate in Computer Networking as well as various certifications in the IT field. She joins the Help Desk team as a student worker with prior knowledge of software and hardware. She also does wireless troubleshooting for the Odyssey client. In her free time, she enjoys playing acoustic guitar, bowling, playing chess, and shooting pool.
Adam Pence
Adam Pence joined the Help Desk staff in June 2008. He is currently seeking a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, he is also working towards a certificate in Computer Networking. He worked for an NBC affiliate for 4 years as a Morning News Director and hopes to make a career in the computer networking field.
Besides computers, Adam enjoys gaming, music, and technology.
Joy Reasoner
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.
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.
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