06/10/2026
Mike Mikulski didn’t expect USI to become a long-term destination, but he now credits the University with shaping his professional growth.
"I came to USI as a student because it was far enough from home to feel independent, but still in state. I’m from Michigan City, Indiana, so it was about a six‑hour drive—at the time, the perfect distance to grow up a little bit.
I didn’t plan to stay. My degree was in education, and this wasn’t the path I thought I’d take. But while I was a student, I worked in Instructional Technology Services, which gave me an early understanding of the environment. When a position opened, what started as an entry point into the field gradually became a long‑term career as I took on more responsibility, developed trusted judgment, and gained a deeper understanding of how technology supports the institution. I currently serve as the Interim Technical Services Director in Information Technology.
Over time, my role expanded well beyond day‑to‑day troubleshooting. I became a point person for solving complex issues, supporting faculty and staff, and helping systems work more effectively for the people using them. Whether diagnosing a technical problem, guiding someone through a new system, or preventing an issue before it starts, I’ve learned how much clarity and calm matter in technical support.
No two days are the same. Some days I’m helping just a handful of people; other days it’s dozens. Requests come in from everywhere—emails, calls, messages—and almost always feel urgent to the person on the other end. Being able to step in, quickly assess the situation, and help someone get back to their work is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
There have been meaningful moments, like being recognized for my work, but it’s the everyday wins that stand out most—solving problems, helping someone who’s stuck, and making things easier for people.
I try not to focus too much on personal milestones. Recognition matters because it affirms that the behind‑the‑scenes support I provide makes a real difference for the people relying on it every day. On a personal level, simply showing up with a positive attitude matters most. That sets the tone—not just for me, but for everyone around me.
What’s kept me here is the people. Over time, you build different circles, and even as people move on or retire, new connections form. The environment keeps evolving, but the sense of community stays the same."
