Lori Temple, vice provost for information technology at UNLV, was honored with the 2022 Top Tech of the Year Award as part of the Las Vegas Top Tech Awards.
The 2022 Top Tech Awards, sponsored by Cox Business and Vegas Inc., honor tech leaders in Southern Nevada for their innovative work in the community. Temple was one of 12 IT professionals representing different industries recognized at the awards ceremony on Nov. 16 at Allegiant Stadium.
“I have a special place in my heart for all the students, faculty, and staff who have, with a few exceptions, mostly tolerated all of the technological advances that have been introduced over the last two and a half decades,” she said during her acceptance speech. “Ultimately, their paths have been made easier as a result of those advances.”
Temple began working at UNLV nearly 40 years ago and has served as vice provost for the office of information technology (OIT) since 1998, leading over 150 employees who provide critical IT services and support to students and employees.
During the awards ceremony, Temple was recognized for her contributions to technological growth on campus, including 75 new and repurposed buildings requiring technology infrastructure. Some projects featured were the Lied Library and a simulation center for nursing school.
She was also recognized for spearheading several large-scale initiatives, including several management systems transitions, staging the 2016 presidential debate, and implementing new systems to keep students, faculty, and staff online during the pandemic.
Temple credited her success to her teams and their dedicated service to the campus community.
“I am also truly honored to lead a talented group of IT professionals committed to providing the services and support students and employees depend on to meet their educational and professional endeavors,” she said. “Their good work has inspired me to be the best leader I could be as we help UNLV meet its always evolving goals and aspirations.”
With Temple retiring in January 2023, the avid Lego builder is planning a trip to Denmark, where the toy was invented, and spending more time with her spouse.