The Technology VanguardThe Technology Vanguard
Darcy Van Patten

Guest

Darcy Van Patten

Executive Director, Specialized Services and Digital Resources · University of Arizona

Research ships, deliberate career pivots and sponsorship shaped her path to executive IT leadership.

Darcy Van Patten is an executive IT leader at the University of Arizona. Her background spans oceanography, research, consulting, nonprofit work, software development and higher-education technology. The university lists her as Executive Director, Specialized Services and Digital Resources; the episode introduces her as Executive Director of Specialized IT Services and Campus IT Resources. With Bob Hansen, she discusses sponsorship, team culture, AI and practical approaches to getting hired.

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The conversation

Darcy Van Patten joins Bob Hansen to trace a non-linear path from oceanography and computer labs aboard research ships to executive IT leadership at the University of Arizona. The conversation examines strategic career pivots, mentors versus sponsors, respectful team culture and AI’s effect on technology work and hiring. Her advice for aspiring leaders connects hands-on experience, targeted relationships and dependable delivery with long-term employability.

Lessons from this leader

  • A perceived sideways or backward move can be a strategic investment when it adds context, technical perspective, or a path to the life and location a professional needs.
  • Sponsors differ from mentors: career acceleration depends on leaders willing to advocate for someone and extend stretch opportunities before every credential is already in place.
  • A high-performing IT team is not created by treating specialized people as interchangeable; respect for expertise, psychological safety, and disciplined team norms matter.
  • AI has made job applications easier to mass-produce and harder to surface. Direct relationships, targeted outreach, referrals, and hands-on experience become more important differentiators.

Appearances