Kim Richards
2020 Perkins Award Winner, Kim Richards (Questrom’08, MET’14), keeps the MET CS community connected
Kim Richards
Director of Program Administration for Computer Science
MS in Administrative Sciences (MET’14); BS in Business Administration (Questrom’08)
Please summarize what your role at BU MET entails.
I currently oversee the day-to-day administrative operations of MET’s Department of Computer Science. I work closely with the Chair, Anatoly Temkin, to schedule and staff our on-campus, online, and blended classes each semester. I also manage the department website and support faculty and staff on various initiatives throughout the year.
What is your favorite aspect of your position?
The people. I am lucky to work in an innovative environment with positive and supportive faculty and staff. I also have the privilege of meeting many bright students from all over the world every semester. Playing even a small role in their educational achievements is an honor. I enjoy seeing them grow not only within the college but professionally and personally after they graduate.
Congratulations on your incredible achievement of receiving BU’s 2020 Perkins Award for Distinguished Service! How does it feel to be one of three this year to receive the award?
The support and recognition given by the University is overwhelming. There are so many hardworking people at BU and I don’t take it lightly that my colleagues took the time to write letters of support for my nomination. I am humbled and share this honor with the wonderful people that I have had the pleasure to work with over the years at BU.
As both an alumna and now an award-winning part of its leadership, what has being a part of the MET community meant to you and in your development?
Being a part of MET and the Boston University community as a whole has played a crucial role in my development and success. Here I have had the opportunity to learn both in and outside of the classroom. My experience has been enriched by all the people I have encountered who have vastly different backgrounds and life experiences, and who push me to think creatively. At MET, we embrace life-long learning and that has inspired me to participate in learning opportunities as they come my way, such as interesting classes, seminars, workshops, and guest speakers.
How do the orientation and internship programs you’ve developed reflect those MET values?
I would say that at MET we are at the forefront of innovation and thrive on collaboration. A few years ago, a student came to me disappointed because she had an internship but there was no way for her to take it unless she received credit. I want our students to succeed and be able to take advantage of the opportunities they are given. So, in collaboration with Professor Vijay Kanabar and our Chair, Professor Anatoly Temkin, both whom I cannot say enough good things about and who are incredible student advocates, we were able to develop and launch the internship course in record time to meet the needs of that student and many to follow. Both the orientation and internship programs have evolved each semester as we learn from students and colleagues about new strategies for success. Now, a main orientation is being held at the college level while we have supplementary sessions as a department. Ronette Lyle, academic program administrator, and Professor Eugene Pinsky have taken over as the champions of the internship effort. We are always striving for something better than what we have done before.
During the time of uncertainty with COVID-19, you have contributed greatly to the MET Department of Computer Science in switching from an online and on-campus format to a fully remote learning setting in a very short time period. What has this experience been like?
MET has always been ahead of the curve in using technology in classes and offering alternative formats to meet the needs of our busy graduate students. So a majority of our faculty and students were already well versed in how to use Zoom, Blackboard, and the other tools that made this transition smoother. To me, this experience has only highlighted the importance of communication and technology. MET IT and the Educational Technology and Innovation team were the champions of this effort. They were able to get everyone up and running in a very short time, and provide the needed training and technical support during a time when there were a lot of unknowns. Many of our CS students work in these departments and I am very proud to see how they excelled in this transition and took the challenge head on. We are all learning from this experience and I also appreciate how wonderful and patient students have been in moving to remote learning on very short notice. We are truly in this together.
How has the CS department stayed connected with students, faculty, and staff during this remote time?
We have remained connected through traditional means such as email, phone calls, and Zoom meetings but have also been brainstorming about how we can connect in other ways. So we launched our Virtual Chess Club, as well as online events such as the TECH Byte series (to hear from faculty on various technical subjects) and our “Chat with the Chair” sessions.
What piece of advice would you give to students during this unprecedented time?
I think the most important thing right now is even though we cannot be physically together, it is important to continue forging connections with those around you. Take advantage of the resources available at BU, be it behavioral medicine, career services, the career advisory network, webinars, or virtual social events. There are so many exciting resources at your disposal, so take a moment to look at the choices and think about how you can use them to your advantage. It is important to put yourself in the best position possible when you are looking for a new career, going for a promotion, or trying to succeed in your current role.
What advice do you have for current students in the Computer Science & IT programs? What advice do you have for someone interested in applying to the program?
My advice would be to review your program requirements and plan out your courses in advance. We have many resources to help you plan early so that you can take the classes that most interest you. Also, if you are interested in any particular area of study, I would recommend connecting with the instructors in that field to see how you can get involved in research. Or ask them for advice on specific classes that would help prepare you for your career. Faculty are a valuable resource and are able to provide you with guidance so you are set up from the beginning of the program. Mostly, get involved, attend events, network with your fellow students and make connections as those will be invaluable during your time at BU and beyond.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go Terriers!