Starkville and Mississippi State University have always been a part of Darian Saffold’s life.
After growing up in the area, he attended college at MSU majoring in Business Administration with a focus in Business Information Systems and worked as a student worker with the National Strategic Planning & Analysis Research Center (NSPARC).
After graduation, Saffold moved into a full-time role with NSPARC as a Systems Analyst where he learned the foundations of server maintenance and other vital skills for his professional career.
When the opportunity of Instructional Technology Coordinator opened at The Center for Distance Education, Saffold jumped at the opportunity to improve MS State Online.
Saffold has become a resource for online faculty, staff, and students as the liaison for all things technology with a focus in Canvas support.
Internally at CDE, he has assisted getting “Champ,” the chat bot, to function on our website to ease in navigation and in the initiative to interact more personally with students through texting.
“Our chatbot serves the purpose of funneling people to the right places to make sure they’re quickly finding the information they need,” Saffold said. “We want to make sure users can get the information in a way that fits their schedule and/or autonomy.”
He said that with the advancement of technology, especially in the areas of AI (artificial intelligence), there will be a need for people to become more educated and seek out certifications or advanced degrees to work more efficiently.
“We're only moving faster and faster towards a very technologically advanced society,” Saffold said.
The Center for Distance Education and other online institutions will benefit from this need. Saffold explained that CDE can help ease uncertainty in these changing times.
“If you need assistance, don't ever hesitate to contact. If you need Canvas or technical assistance with your equipment or something like that, just reach out,” Saffold said.
To contact email idhelp@online.msstate.edu.
