2002 Penny Crane Award Recipient – John Bucher

John E. Bucher received his undergraduate and masters degrees in biological sciences from Wright State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas. His career in information technology began in the mid-70’s when he worked as a part-time systems analyst at the KU Museum of Natural History. Later, he progressed in various management positions within the Computer Center at the University of Kansas.

In 1987 Bucher took the position of director of computing services at the University of South Dakota (USD), where he was responsible for both academic and administrative computing facilities as well as the early developments of the University’s data network. In 1993 Bucher accepted the position of director of computing and networking services at Kansas State University.

Since July of 1996, Bucher has served as the chief technology officer at Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, with responsibilities for all aspects of information technology at the College.

Throughout his career Bucher has been actively involved in several regional and national organizations. Most of his association involvement has been with ACM, and in particular, ACM SIGUCCS. He was a SIGUCCS board member from 1991 – 1995 and then served as the SIG Chair from 1995 – 1999. He currently serves on the board of the Corporation for Research and Educational Networking (CREN) and has been on the EDUCOM Board of Trustees and the EDUCAUSE Recognition Committee. He was vice chair of the EDUCAUSE 2002 conference and will serve as chair of EDUCAUSE 2003.