School of Information Sciences

Get to Know: Jen Anderson, Information Resources Manager

Jen Anderson
Jen Anderson, Assistant Director of IT

Our School is grateful for talented and dedicated staff, who contribute greatly to our teaching and research excellence. This "Get to Know" series highlights our staff, sharing their friendly faces and stories of professional success. 

Where did you grow up?

I’m a townie! My family moved to Champaign when I was a year and a half old. 

What year did you begin working for the iSchool?

I started at the iSchool in the summer of 2005.

Where did you work prior to the iSchool, and what did you do?

Immediately before joining the iSchool, I worked at a law firm in New York City. I provided their in-house software training as well as help desk support. Before that, I worked as a fundraiser for small arts organizations in NYC.

What do you do at the School?

Like many people around here, I've worn several hats. I'm currently the manager of the Help Desk, which is a wonderful position since I get to interact with students, staff, and faculty every day.

What do you like best about your job?

Working with the fabulous graduate assistants at the Help Desk to provide top-notch support to the iSchool community.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my family, running, traveling, reading, and playing board games.

Updated on
Backto the news archive

Related News

PhD student Fobazi Ettarh passes away

PhD student Fobazi Ettarh passed away on January 28, 2026. Ettarh entered the doctoral program at the University of Illinois in 2022. She held an MLIS from Rutgers University and bachelor's degree in English and sociology from the University of Delaware. Prior to joining the iSchool, Ettarh served as an academic librarian at Temple University Libraries; California State University, Dominguez Hills; and Rutgers University. She was also a school library media specialist at Hawthorne (NJ) Public Schools.

Fobazi Ettarh

Gregory B. Newby passes away

Gregory B. Newby passed away October 21, 2025. Newby was an assistant professor at the iSchool at Illinois from 1991 to 1997 and taught graduate-level courses in information technology; networking tools and use; information organization and system design; and user-based design and analysis. He was the founder of Prairienet and instrumental in the design of the iSchool's Leep program in 1996.

Gregory B. Newby

Hooper joins admissions and records team

Kim Hooper has joined the iSchool as an office support specialist. In her position, she will provide administrative support to the admissions and records team. 

Kim Hooper

Haider joins academic affairs

Iftikhar Haider has joined the academic affairs team as assistant director for experiential learning. In his position, he will collaborate directly with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to facilitate successful experiential learning in undergraduate, graduate, and online programs of the iSchool. 

Iftikhar Haider

Get to know Sneha Vyas, MSIM student

Prior to entering the MSIM program last fall, Sneha Vyas worked as a project management associate with Siemens in India. She enjoys using the skills she is learning in her classes on personal projects and looks forward to future opportunities where she can "turn information into smart decisions and see the impact of those decisions in action."

Sneha Vyas

School of Information Sciences

501 E. Daniel St.

MC-493

Champaign, IL

61820-6211

Voice: (217) 333-3280

Fax: (217) 244-3302

Email: ischool@illinois.edu

Back to top