Alumni Spotlight-Michelle Barlow
Posted on September 15, 2020 by Keith Lynn
Michelle Barlow received a Bachelor’s degree in 1988 in CIS Information Systems, and
then she returned to USA to complete her Master’s degree in 2015. She has fond memories
of her time in the School of Computing and especially recalls Dr. Roy Daigle’s classes.
“I remember spending all night in the computer lab working on Dr. Daigle’s programming
assignments. I had him for several classes. I was thrilled every time my program would
run without errors. Dr. Daigle was always very helpful and encouraging.”
She began her career in the chemical industry with Arkema, Inc. where she started
in the accounting department then moved into management of the IT and logistics department.
In her early role as regional IT manager, she recruited IT staff and contract personnel,
and she was responsible for the design, purchase and implementation of corporate applications,
networks and standardized PC’s. She supported projects such as the start-up support
for the new construction of a joint-venture company in Texas, a systems integration
project with the Mexico Atoglas manufacturing site, and a corporate server
replacement project for 20 manufacturing sites.
In 2001, Michelle moved into the role of manufacturing systems manager for North America
and Europe where she created a six-member international team of IT and process control
professionals. Michelle says one of her most challenging accomplishments was the OSI
PI data historian application server and desktop standardization project for Arkema.
“During an 18-month period and with a budget of $450,000, our team was able to standardize
the PI servers and PI client software across 50 manufacturing units located in eight
countries. We completed the task on time and in budget,” she states.
In 2001, Michelle moved into the role of manufacturing systems manager for North America
and Europe where she created a six-member international team of IT and process control
professionals. Michelle says one of her most challenging accomplishments was the OSI
PI data historian application server and desktop standardization project for Arkema.
“During an 18-month period and with a budget of $450,000, our team was able to standardize
the PI servers and PI client software across 50 manufacturing units located in eight
countries. We completed the task on time and in budget,” she states.
Michelle worked as IT manager at G.A. West & Co. Inc. where she supported the daily
operations of all communication and business systems for the central office and the
construction site offices. She also worked with ThyssenKrupp Steel as SAP lead business
analyst supporting purchasing, logistics, finance, and sales order entry functional
areas.
During that time, she also began to teach a variety of computer science courses at
USA and Bishop State. She helped to develop a course specifically for chemical engineers
and she continues to teach on an adjunct basis at USA’s School of Computing. Reflecting
on her role as teacher, Michelle states, “Teaching programming classes and interacting
with students eager to learn is something I really enjoy. I share real world experiences
with students to help them understand how technology can improve our work environments.”
Since 2013, Michelle has served as IT director of the Alabama State Port Authority.
She is responsible for the daily operations of business systems to support the Port’s
long-term strategic goals. She manages system project upgrades and implementations,
supervises a seven-member team and handles expense and capital budgets.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic and a remote working environment, Michelle says that
her staff has thrived and shown tremendous productivity through the implementation
of morning virtual “check-in” meetings each day. She confirms that good communication
is the key to efficiency and is proud of the way her team has risen to the challenges
of this new work model.
Michelle is a lifetime member of USA’s National Alumni Association and serves as Vice-President
of the School of Computing Alumni Society. She strongly recommends that all graduates
maintain their connection to the University. “In our profession, networking opportunities
are very important. It’s crucial to keep those relationships you build with your faculty,
your fellow students and organizations to which you belong. I enjoy being part of
the SoC alumni group and having those occasions to socialize and learn from others
in the field.”
Michelle is a lifetime member of USA’s National Alumni Association and serves as Vice-President
of the School of Computing Alumni Society. She strongly recommends that all graduates
maintain their connection to the University. “In our profession, networking opportunities
are very important. It’s crucial to keep those relationships you build with your faculty,
your fellow students and organizations to which you belong. I enjoy being part of
the SoC alumni group and having those occasions to socialize and learn from others
in the field.”