Inspired by MLK: The Evolution of Communication in IT
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (King) was a masterful orator whose speeches transcended mere words to become powerful calls to action. Known for his deep, resonant voice and an unparalleled command of rhythm and rhetoric, King could inspire hope in the face of despair, mobilizing millions to stand for justice. His speeches, like the most famous and frequently recited "I Have a Dream," seamlessly wove together imagery and appeals to shared values, making complex ideas accessible to diverse audiences. His ability to connect emotionally and intellectually with listeners cemented his role as a unifying force during a pivotal era in history. Speeches weren’t just about delivering a message—they were about creating a movement, a skill that continues to inspire communicators across disciplines today.
While a link between IT and communications might not be the first thing that comes to mind, everyone at UITS strives to implement clear, thoughtful, and strategic communications everyday in our service to students, faculty, staff and researchers across campus. Communication is the foundation of everything we do and has vastly evolved over time.
The progression of communication in IT mirrors the evolution of technology itself—moving from static, one-way exchanges to dynamic, collaborative interactions. Decades ago, IT communications were reactive and technical, relying on memos, manuals, and face-to-face meeting to perform troubleshootingand resolve issues. Over time, email revolutionized communication, enabling the rapid spread of information across the university. As IT grew more integral to academics, research and daily operations, tools like project management platforms, instant messaging, and collaborative dashboards empowered teams to align more efficiently.
Today, communication within UITS extends far beyond operational updates. IT encompasses complex and intricate concepts requiring each of us to translate into every day levels of understanding. The skill of masterful communication helps the fostering of partnerships across departments, and engagement of stakeholders. Much like King used his oratory to connect with diverse audiences and drive action, UITS is leveraging communication skills to unify teams, inspire innovation, and guide the university through an ever-changing technological landscape.
King’s legacy reminds us of the power of clear, impactful messaging to bridge divides, rally teams, and foster innovation. Whether it’s a strategic email, a project presentation, or even the code we write, communication remains at the heart of everything we do—just as it was central to King’s transformative work.