From Blackhawk Student to Blackhawk IT Professional

Life is made up of an infinite amount of choices. It’s usually the big decisions – like where to work – that are hardest. But for Jeff Pfeifer, a telecommunications network support technician at Blackhawk, the choice to work at the college he was educated at was an easy decision.

“Blackhawk will always be by your side to help you through the challenges of your journey,” he said.

Pfeifer started his journey at Blackhawk with a culinary arts class and a computer class while still a student at Edgerton High School. He enjoyed the Blackhawk experience and decided to attend BTC after graduation.

It was through his internship in the Blackhawk Information Technology Department that he decided on becoming a computer service technician.

 “My responsibility was to help fix desktop computers and whatever else was needed,” Pfeifer said.

Pfeifer first worked as a paid part-time support system specialist in 2003. In 2007, a full-time Information Technology position at the Monroe campus opened up, and Pfeifer became the first full-time help desk network support specialist. In 2012, his position moved to Central Campus, and he was given the responsibility of implementing a new telecommunications system while also helping with both general and advanced technical support to staff and students.

“I am the first line BTC phone system support person. I also work closely with the network infrastructure engineer’s position for network support,” he said.

Pfeifer appreciates that Blackhawk embraces flexible education to fit a student’s busy schedule and learning style. His journey had various starts and stops, and he understands first-hand how vital a supportive environment is.

“A supportive environment means that nobody has to face the challenges of education/life alone,” Pfeifer said.

As an alumnus, Pfeifer is able to see up close the advantages that flexibility and support provide to students.

“Our alumni are so important to the Blackhawk mission,” said Blackhawk Foundation President Lisa Hurda. “Along with the alumni we are thrilled to have working here, like Jeff, we are eager to welcome additional alumni back to share their industry experience. Many are featured as guest speakers in classes, serve on program advisory boards, and help us spread the word of all BTC has to offer.”

Pfeifer and his wife, Lindsey, also a BTC alumni, live in Monroe with their two kids, one dog, three cats, and two chinchillas. They appreciate the small-town feel of Monroe and enjoy frequenting family-owned restaurants and breweries. As active community members, the Pfeifers are involved in 4-H, and Pfeifer serves as the vice president of a radio-controlled aircraft club.