When a student logs into myBama, swipes into a residence hall, or accesses one of the University’s countless technology services, chances are they aren’t thinking about databases. That’s exactly how Xavier Western likes it.
As a Database Administrator IV for the Office of Information Technology, Xavier works behind the scenes to ensure critical University systems remain available, secure, and running smoothly. From managing backups and disaster recovery processes to applying updates and supporting enterprise applications, his team helps provide the foundation that many campus technologies depend on.
“Our contribution to campus is invisible when it’s going right. If what we do is not known, then we’re doing our job correctly,” Xavier said. “If people are able to use the applications our databases support and not run into issues, then our job is done.”
It’s a role that requires equal parts preparation and problem-solving. Xavier and his team help maintain databases that support Banner and many of the services connected to it, along with dozens of other applications used across campus every day. Their work often goes unnoticed, but it plays a vital role in keeping information accessible and systems functioning as expected.
“It’s about keeping that database availability and being ready if there is an issue.”
A University of Alabama graduate, Xavier earned a degree in Management Information Systems before beginning his career at Lowe’s corporate headquarters in North Carolina. After several years in the private sector, he and his wife were ready to return to Alabama and be closer to family. The timing worked out perfectly when an opportunity with OIT became available.
Since joining the University, Xavier has helped support the infrastructure that many people rely on without ever realizing it exists. He compares database administration to a utility service: when everything is working, nobody thinks about it. They simply expect it to be there – like expecting water from a faucet.
Outside of work, Xavier lives in the Huntsville area with his family. Much of his free time is spent cheering on his daughter at softball games and tournaments or staying active with his son. When schedules allow, he enjoys taking the family camping and spending time outdoors.
Xavier’s work helps ensure students can access resources, faculty can perform research, and staff can do their jobs without interruption. It’s the type of contribution that often happens behind the curtain, but one that is essential to the University’s success.
The Office of Information Technology is proud to recognize Xavier Western for his dedication to keeping the systems that power The University of Alabama running reliably every day.