Behind the Screens with Adam Gibson

When it comes to technology, Adam Gibson is a lifeline for the School of Nursing. With an accredited simulation program, remodeled classrooms with the latest tech, and countless monitors in the building (though Gibson likely knows the exact number), there is no end to the unexpected "technical errors" that may arise. But have no fear, Director of Instructional Technology, Gibson, is here.

In this Q&A, this School of Nursing rockstar shares his experiences and how ties to nursing have impacted him.

UofL What is your role at the UofL School of Nursing? 

A.G. As the director of instructional technology, I have the great opportunity and privilege to work alongside faculty, staff, and students across physical and virtual spaces throughout the School of Nursing. The role is wide-ranging, with frequent conversations to learn more about individual and organizational needs, and involves finding ways to provide technological solutions, working with resources available, and advocating for additional resources when needed.

UofL If you could describe your experience working at the School of Nursing in three words, what would they be and why? 

A.G. On the move! Whether engaged in faculty and staff onboarding, hardware and software upgrades to classroom renovations, content management and web migrations, and continual exploration of new and innovative technology solutions, the School of Nursing continues to move forward. After learning the history of the School of Nursing, experiencing the transformation in recent years, and seeing future plans for both programming and the $280 million UofL Health Sciences Simulation Center & Collaboration Hub, it’s an exciting time at the School of Nursing!

UofL Pick one aspect of your role that you believe impacts the UofL community the most. What is it and why?

A.G. Simply being present, listening, and responding to immediate needs provides a great opportunity for direct and positive impact. I enjoy conversations, whether with those I know or those I’ve yet to meet. I may not always have immediate solutions, and I learned early on that it’s impossible to be an expert in every field. However, we have a great network of faculty, staff, and external partners ready to help and provide insight along the way. 

UofL What is one unique thing you have learned while working at the School of Nursing that you believe will stick with you throughout your career? 

A.G. Generations of care. While helping locate resources for the 50^th anniversary celebration last year, and learning more about the School of Nursing history, I learned that some of our faculty were part of the School of Nursing before I was born (and I also recently learned from a faculty member’s that he had a pair of boots older than me)! Considering I’m closer to middle-aged and not anywhere near the youngest of our team, this made me think of the generations of care that graduates of the School of Nursing have provided to individuals, families, and communities, whether at their most exciting times, most challenging times, or somewhere in between. 

On a personal level, I have first-hand experience of the great quality of care provided by UofL School of Nursing graduates during a hospital stay back in 2015. I’ve also witnessed the same compassionate care provided to parent and multiple grandparents during hospital stays. And my wife, Andrea, a graduate of both the BSN and DNP programs, provides ongoing care for us (but not as a treating healthcare provider in case someone from the insurance or regulatory community happens to be reading). All-in-all, I consider my family at least four-generation healthcare benefactors of the UofL School of Nursing, each with unique experiences based on our unique needs.

UofL Outside of your professional responsibilities, what are some hobbies or interests that help you unwind and stay balanced? 

A.G. Just as life at the School of Nursing constantly feels on the move, life feels in a similar phase outside of my professional responsibilities. Andrea and I are blessed with three children, Macy (16), Mya (14), and Clayton (12), who keep us moving between practices, clubs, and competitions. We’re active in our local church and serve as volunteers for multiple not-for-profit organizations. When schedules align, we enjoy spending time together with family and friends and relaxing, fishing, hiking, or sitting around a campfire at our home and family farm in Southern Indiana.