Photo by Jessica Maloney,
UNH Human Resources

Ken Barrows came to UNH after spending years in retail management. Initially expecting only "to be here for six months," he has now entered his fourteenth year as a university staff member. Beginning in the "Cat's Closet" (convenience store and coffee office) and then working as Operations Manager, Ken's current position is that of Assistant Director for Operations. Ken has seen the MUB grow in many ways throughout this time; "the MUB itself is constantly changing, which keeps things interesting" he says. His success in such a dynamic environment can be largely attributed to his "ability to anticipate what students, faculty, and the Durham community will want in the MUB three years from now and to motivate my staff and provide the tools and infrastructure so we have it ready in two years." In fact, what he finds most satisfying about his position is "seeing students, faculty, and other clients use and enjoy improvements to the MUB."

According to Ken, the greatest changes that the MUB has undergone during the last fourteen years have been "in the area of Information Technology. The use of DVD, digital film media, wireless technology, etc. has allowed us to offer so much more to the students and staff." The MUB was the first public building at UNH to utilize wireless technology. They have also implemented tracking software that automatically notifies students via email when they have received a package. The MUB has also seen a need to provide more Audio-Visual and Information Technology support for those using the rooms. As for what he sees coming down road, Ken says "digital cinema is something we're looking at implementing in the near future. We have digital sound in one of the theaters and will soon be adding it to the other theater." While supervision of the theatre operations might seem an enviable responsibility - watching movies at the MUB has lost its charm for Ken; "I can't even enjoy a movie in our theatre because I'm hypersensitive to every hiss, pop, etc., in making sure that the students and staff are getting the best possible experience."

Ken's responsibilities also include overseeing the staff of the student mailroom as well as IT and AV systems and support. Of this aspect of his position, he states, "I highly enjoy working with and for students and most of them appear to enjoy working with me or at least tolerating my bad jokes... They challenge your ideas and thoughts and you need to be prepared to answer them. And their energy level is great!"

Ken has also worked for the past seven years with the town of Durham as a member of the Durham MainStreet program. His time away from work is often spent in and around the water. "I love to go Salt Water fishing in Maine and the Florida Keys," he states. "I've gone to the Keys for the past five years. I also love fast powerboats and working on my families summer place on an island in Maine."