Staff Spotlight: Meet UVA | Northern Virginia’s Andy Phelps
Meet Andy Phelps, who leads Information Technology for UVA | Northern Virginia! Since joining the team, Andy has played a key role in shaping the technology that powers our modern, collaborative campus. Whether he’s supporting class sessions, events, or partner groups using our space, Andy is always behind the scenes ensuring that all technology and AV needs run smoothly. We spoke with him to learn more about his role, what inspires him, and what his day-to-day looks like as part of the UVA community.
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself, your role at UVA, and what brought you here?
A: I lead IT for UVA | Northern Virginia. I came here because the idea of helping build a brand-new, modern campus from the ground up sounded way too exciting to pass up. I love creating spaces where technology feels effortless and people can just… do their thing.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you in your role?
A: It really depends on the day. One moment I might be helping faculty get comfortable with the technology in their classrooms or assisting a student with a tech challenge. The next, I’m planning AV upgrades, troubleshooting a room before an event, or mapping out long-term tech improvements for the campus. Every day looks a little different—which is exactly what keeps it fun.
Q: What has been your favorite memory or top accomplishment in this role?
A: My favorite memory has been bringing a new campus to life and making sure the tech is easy, effortless, and just works the way people expect it to.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about your work at UVA?
A: I love seeing how smooth technology can make someone’s day—whether it’s a great class session, a successful event, or a partner group using our space. When the tech just works, everyone else gets to shine, and that’s the best part.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: I see myself continuing to help bring modern, secure, user-friendly tech to life—hopefully blending strategy, innovation, and community impact.
Q: What’s been your favorite project, initiative, or experience since joining UVA?
A: My favorite project has been bringing modern tools to our collaboration and hybrid-learning spaces has been a highlight. These upgrades make a meaningful difference in how people teach, meet, and connect across our campus.
Q: How does your work support students, faculty, or the broader UVA community?
A: I ensure that our technology—network, classrooms, conference rooms, everything—just works. My goal is to give students, faculty, and partners a seamless experience so they can focus on their mission, not the tools behind it.
Q: What’s a fun fact about you that your colleagues might not know?
A: During college, I spent time traveling through Europe, hitchhiked across Ireland, and lived in Belgium. I also spent part of my youth living in Germany and South Korea.
Q: Do you have a favorite spot on the UVA Northern Virginia campus (or in the DMV)?
A: I don’t really have a single favorite spot—our whole campus is beautiful, so it’s hard to choose just one.