Rate My Professor Nicola Walmsley

Nicola Walmsley serves as the Manager of IT Advisory within the University of Otago's Information Technology Services (ITS). With over 40 years of dedicated service in the University of Otago's IT environment, she brings extensive knowledge of the institution's IT infrastructure, systems, and operations. A graduate with a BSc (Hons) from the University of Otago, Walmsley has progressed through a series of key roles that highlight her expertise in customer service and technical support. Her previous positions include ITS Customer Services Manager, HelpDesk Manager, and various technical support and customer service roles within IT Services. In her current capacity, she functions as a strategic interface and business relationship manager, linking clients from diverse areas such as the Otago Business School, the Academic Division, Human Resources, Financial Services, and Operations with ITS. Walmsley is passionate about promoting positive customer engagement and fostering collaborative partnerships to meet the university's IT needs effectively.

Walmsley's contributions extend beyond her primary role into committee work and university-wide initiatives focused on staff development, diversity, and operational improvements. She holds the position of Secretary for the Staff Women’s Caucus Committee, where she supports events celebrating women's achievements, including International Women's Day gatherings, Suffrage 125 commemorations with camellia plantings, and kōrero sessions featuring notable speakers. As a representative of the ITS Senior Management Team, she was appointed to the Library Services Committee in 2022. Additionally, she participated in a discussion panel on the computer-based exams pilot at the Examinations Network Conference 2019 alongside colleagues Selene Mize and Sonya Stewart. Walmsley has been involved in the University's acclaimed Energy Analytics programme, collaborating with team members like Leah McKay to optimize controls, resulting in savings on power, costs, emissions, and maintenance disruptions; the programme was named supreme winner in 2023. Her professional excellence is recognized through the University of Otago’s award for Exceptional Performance by General Staff in 2009 and her status as an Honorary Fellow of IT Professionals NZ. Through these endeavors, Walmsley has significantly influenced IT support strategies and staff community building at the University of Otago.