OSU's 2003-2004 Student Employee of the Year

Alex Everett

Alex Everett, the OSU Student Employee of the Year for 2003-2004.

Oklahoma State University's massive computer system is much safer thanks to one undergraduate student with extraordinary computer skills who has been named OSU's 2003-2004 Student Employee of the Year.

Alex Everett, an electrical engineering junior who works part time for the Office of Information Technology Systems Security, was selected from among a group of 36 other nominated student employees.

Everett regularly performs penetration and vulnerability assessments for the university's computer system. When viruses attack, he compiles an updated release of software to check and patch computer programs within the university system.

OSU will celebrate National Student Employee Appreciation Week April 11-17 and will host a reception Thursday, April 15, at 2 p.m. in the Willard Hall living room for all 36 nominees, including Everett and the five finalists, Melissa Applegate, Foster Cryer, Kayla Ingram, Joe Jordan and Dondee Payne.

OSU System CEO and President David Schmidly has signed a resolution declaring April 11-17 as OSU-Stillwater Student Employee Appreciation Week. On April 12 the Stillwater City Commission will honor Everett and the other finalists during their regular meeting, and Mayor Bud Lacy will proclaim the week of April 11-17 as Student Employee Appreciation Week in Stillwater.

Alex is congratulated by OSU President Dr. David J. Schmidly.

"Alex joined our operation quite by accident," said Sallie Wright, OSU Information Technology Systems Security officer. "When he was a sophomore at OSU, he discovered several significant programming bugs and flaws in the university systems and reported his findings to our office.

"With the information Alex provided us, we were able to quickly secure the systems and reduce the risk to all concerned," she said. "Shortly after the incident, we offered Alex a position and he has proven to be an exemplary employee."

Although Everett is scheduled to work 16 hours a week, his actual hours are closer to 25 because of his willingness to work longer to combat viruses or to complete testing so that new software can be deployed to prevent computer problems on campus.

As OSU's winner, Everett will be entered in regional competition. If successful, he will compete for the national title and an all-expense paid trip to NSEA's Fall Conference in Boston and a $500 cash prize.