Employees of the Month Tyrone Ross

Tyrone Ross

Office of Information Technology Services

After nearly two decades of service, Employee of the Month Tyrone Ross has become a familiar and trusted presence for faculty, staff, and students alike, working behind the scenes to keep classroom technology functional and the college moving forward.

As the assistant to the College’s chief information officer (CIO) in the Office of Information Technology Services (OITS), Tyrone manages classroom technology across campus, handles requisitions for technology-related equipment and services, and collaborates with the CIO and other IT staff to resolve technical issues for students, faculty, and staff. He also prepares materials to help the College community understand new technological procedures.

He joined Kingsborough 18 years ago after learning about an open position in Kingsborough’s OITS. Before arriving at the college, he worked as a document scanner in New Jersey. But his interest in technology began long before that, going all the way back to childhood. “I have been involved in technology since the 80s when my father bought me and my brother our first computer, an Atari 800,” recalled Tyrone. His interest in technology was piqued from that point on, mostly from the hardware and end-user experience.

“I often laugh when I think back about how I would tell people I used to build my own computer systems,” Tyrone said. “Whenever the technology changed, I could go out to Radio Shack, buy the part or software, upgrade my system, and continue doing whatever it was I was doing.” He also taught himself basic programming, web design and desktop publishing. Still eager to learn, he’s currently exploring AI’s functions and limitations.

One of Tyrone’s major achievements was playing a key role in implementing HyFlex classrooms on campus, which has made instruction more flexible and strengthened Kingsborough’s ability to deliver technology-enhanced learning.

His contributions have not gone unnoticed by his supervisor, Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Officer Asif Hussain. “Tyrone is known for his reliability, strong work ethic, and willingness to provide support whenever and wherever needed,” Asif said in his nomination. “His work ensures that the technology in our classrooms and instructional labs remains reliable, modern, and responsive to faculty and student needs.”

Tyrone takes pride in knowing his work helps both faculty and students, often in ways that are not always visible. “By that I mean improving the Wi-Fi, testing new student interaction services, providing better equipment in the computer labs and classrooms, and attempting to improve the quality of campus life,” explained Tyrone. “His deep technical knowledge, attention to detail, and commitment to staying ahead of emerging technologies have directly contributed to the successful modernization of our instructional spaces,” added Asif.

When asked about his favorite memory at Kingsborough, Tyrone points to the students he’s met along the way, especially those who started as student aides and advanced to college assistants or even full-time positions. “I thank those people for being great individuals, critical thinkers and motivators. I continue to wish them well in their exploits.”

Tyrone’s steady dedication, willingness to learn, and commitment to improving campus technology have made him an essential part of the Kingsborough community. As Asif wrote, “His work embodies the mission and values of Kingsborough Community College, and he truly represents the best of the Office of Information Technology Services."