Sally J. Backofen

Assistant Vice President of Information Technology

B.S. Grand Valley State College
517-913-8856
[email protected]

My role at Cooley Law School as the Assistant Vice President of Information Technology includes leading a team of IT Professionals who are collectively responsible for Infrastructure, Network, TelCo, Security, Virtual Environment, Data Backup & Recovery, Portal, WiFi, File & Print, Server & Desktop OS, Hardware, Software, Network Account Administration, EdTech, and Faculty/Staff & Student Support.  I am responsible for IT Project Management, Technology Operations planning & implementation, Technology Services planning & implementation, evaluating new hardware/software system opportunities, evaluating and translating departmental/campus requests into solutions.

I joined Cooley in 1996 as a desktop technician. I was named Director of Technology Services and added Technical Operations to my position in 2017, but my role has been to oversee all aspects of technology since November of 2019. I am a Certified Network Engineer and Certified Network Administrator.

I came to Cooley following a 10-year engagement at Legal Aid of Central Michigan, where I was responsible for grant writing, fundraising, community education, media relations, and technology implementation & support. Prior to that, I worked at Kingston Youth Club in London, England as a participant in the National Youth Worker Exchange Program. Before my time in London, I was a Vista Volunteer for two years at Gateway Community Services, an agency providing counseling, hotline services, and medical services to marginalized populations. I was responsible for fundraising and community awareness and also installed and supported the first desktop computers at that agency.

Outside of work, I am a Leader in Friends Couple Enrichment and a saxophonist in the MSU Community Jazz Band. I enjoy tree farming, distance cycling, kayaking, hiking, reading, traveling, and spending time with my grandkids.