Spotlight on…
Aaron Baker
Classroom Support Technician
Stephen F. Austin State University
Picture of Stephen F. Austin State University
Connect with Aaron Baker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bakeraarond/
Picture of Aaron Baker
Welcome to this month’s edition of the Tech Manager Spotlight. This time, we’re heading to Nacogdoches, Texas, to meet Aaron Baker, a Classroom Support Technician at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA). Aaron is a hands-on AV professional who wears many hats—from designing and programming systems to installing and supporting classroom technology. His approach is collaborative, his mindset is adaptable, and his passion for AV is unmistakable.
“I do pretty much a little of everything,” Aaron says. “Designing, programming, installing systems in classrooms and other spaces, and supporting the classroom AV and computers.”
Right now, Aaron and his team are juggling several projects. One of their main focuses has been implementing more convenient options for input switching in classrooms. “We’ve been putting in basic AV switching functionality in rooms to give faculty who want to teach from their laptop the ability to plug in without having to unplug the PC from the projector,” he explains. “This also had a side goal of replacing all the VGA in the classrooms with HDMI—something we got to finish this summer!” Another major initiative is standardizing AV systems across campus. “We’re starting the upgrade cycle of some of the current AV systems to get everything up to the same configuration. It makes the programming easier.”
When asked about his leadership style, Aaron is refreshingly candid. “I’d say I’m still developing and finding a style,” he admits. “I’m very collaborative, always helping others, and the like.” That collaborative spirit is a cornerstone of how his team operates. “The whole Classroom Support team is three full-time staff—me, my director, and one other tech—with the occasional student worker. We’re always collaborating when things come up—troubleshooting, workload balance, design, etc. Everyone’s opinion is treated equally, and it helps solve all sorts of problems we deal with.”
Aaron sees the role of AV in higher education as one that’s constantly evolving. “New teaching techniques are coming out all the time,” he says. “We’ve been seeing an uptick in VR usage here on campus, so I’d be curious to see if that will tie in with the large immersive spaces we’ve been seeing pop up lately.”
Reflecting on his career so far, Aaron shares a simple but powerful lesson: “Use your PTO. It’s okay to take breaks. The world isn’t going to end.” It’s a reminder that resonates in a field where the pace can be relentless.
For those just starting out in AV or higher ed tech, Aaron offers some grounded advice. “It’s always a firehose of information. Don’t expect to learn everything right away. Keep at it and you’ll get it all down.”
He also points out a common misconception about his work: “It’s a lot more than just plugging things in to make it work.”
Aerial image of Stephen F. Austin State University
Have you always worked in AV? What did the path look like for you to get to where you are now?
I have not been in AV, but it’s something that I’ve always dabbled in at home. (I still remember how I felt when I got my GameCube console connected to the VCR and ran the coax splitter to get the game on 2 TVs as a kid). I briefly got to help out a little with our Crestron systems when we started putting them in classrooms when I was a student worker in our Center for Teaching and Learning, but then the Classroom Support team in ITS was formed and CTL didn’t support them anymore. I finally graduated for the last time at SFA and briefly worked for one of the local community colleges in their Blackboard support, before I took the position where I’m at now for the last 3 years.
What is your morning routine?
Check in with everyone and plan out the day…whether its finishing up installs, work on code, finish tickets from the previous day, or other things that need to be discussed. Also make sure to have plenty of coffee
What does an average weekday look like for you?
This answer changes based on the season! When classes aren’t in session (like now during the summer), we’re more than likely installing/upgrading AV equipment across campus. During the long semesters, it’s more break/fix, R&D, training, and planning for the next round of installs.
What does your busiest day look like?
Busiest is definitely during the summer with our installs. (I can log 12k+ steps a day!) I’d have to say some of the challenges is deciding how to break up that time with installs and programming (on top of the occasional break/fix for the few on campus summer classes that we have).
What do you enjoy doing on weekends? How do you spend your time outside of work?
I have picked up several hobbies the last few years. On top of being a ham radio operator, and an avid weather enthusiast, I’m also a huge computing/tech history nerd. I have a “few” older PCs and game consoles that I’ve kept going and even repaired due to leaking capacitors and batteries.
On top of what I just mentioned, being in the outdoors (when it’s not 90+ degrees outside) is another fun pastime that I enjoy. I’ve recently got new camping stuff again and have started a new goal of trying to visit every state park in Texas.
Comparing your career path over time, what are some of the moments, accomplishments, or projects that you’re most proud of?
The VGA to HDMI is one I’m proud of (ha!), but recently I’ve redesigned our Touch panel UI to replace the dated one we’ve been using and getting that rolled out. But I think the best accomplishment I’ve recently done is becoming a Crestron Certified Programmer. I’m thankful that I was able to pick up on it quickly and was able to complete all the classes and exams in about a 2-year period.
What inspired you to get involved with HETMA, AVIXA, and other higher-ed orgs?
What got me into HETMA was the collaboration. We always hear what the big schools around us do, but not too much of the smaller ones. Joining HETMA has helped us learn what other similar schools are doing and has helped us with decision making for various products we use in classrooms (Some even because of Approved!) and of course its spiraled from there with the various relation
Where do you see your career trajectory going in the next five years? Where do you envision yourself?
I’ve really fallen in love with the AV programming thing. I’ve enjoyed the designing and configuring of new systems as we put in new tech in classrooms. I really hope to keep doing that.
What is your life motto and how do you apply it to your daily routine?
I’d think it’s a mixture of “Be Prepared” as an Eagle Scout, but also, I got to go with “Hakuna Matata” from Lion King as well. Mostly just have to go with the flow with whatever life throws at you. It’s not the end of the world if something doesn’t go to plan.
Picture of Aaron Baker as Spotlight Manager
