David Smallen, vice president for information technology, was presented with the Computer Professional of the Year (CPOY) award from the Syracuse Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) on Wednesday, April 21. The ACM, a national organization, was founded in 1947 with the purpose of promoting the exchange of ideas concerning technological theory and development. The organization includes many mathematicians and electrical engineers and is considered a "primary resource for the Information Technology field." The prestigious award is given to professionals who participate and excel in areas including "technical expertise and innovation, community activity and service, the contribution of the field of information technology, and the promotion of the use of technology."
Smallen began his Hamilton career in 1972 as a professor in the math department but shifted to computer services in 1974. Since then his staff has increased from four to 26 as a result of the rapid growth of computer technology, and Smallen has helped guide the college through this ever-changing field for the past 30 years. He has served on the boards of EDUCOM and CAUSE and as a director of the Educause Leadership Institute, which "helps to prepare the IT leaders of tomorrow."
