For over two decades, Allen Beddingfield has played a pivotal role in advancing and upholding the University of Alabama’s central technology infrastructure. Since joining the Office of Information Technology team in 2000, he has assisted in guiding the university across multiple generations of technological systems, from legacy environments to modern Linux and virtualization platforms.
“I’ve worked with almost every system we’ve had at one time or another,” Beddingfield states. Today, his work revolves around enterprise Linux systems and virtualization, the foundation for countless essential campus services.
Beddingfield’s path to the IT field was somewhat unexpected, as he began his professional journey at Mississippi State University with plans of becoming a CPA. “I was two years into an accounting degree and decided I didn’t want to live that life,” he recalls. While obtaining a business degree, he shifted into a full-time position with IT Services on MSU’s Meridian campus, initiating his career in technology.
After three years in this role, he joined the Office of Information Technology at the University of Alabama in 2000. At the start of his work with UA, he worked primarily on Novell NetWare and eDirectory systems. “All of that is long gone now,” he explains, reflecting on the constantly evolving pace of IT. As the university’s demands expanded and progressed, Beddingfield shifted into Linux and virtualization, assisting with infrastructure that promotes academic, administrative, and research operations.
One of the highlights of Beddingifeld’s role is the opportunity to work with emerging technologies. “Some people have lab gear at home, but my lab is the University of Alabama’s data center,” he says.
Outside of his work with OIT, Beddingfield has a diverse collection of interests and hobbies.
Licensed under the callsign W5LNX, Beddingfield is an active ham radio operator, Volunteer Examiner, and faculty advisor for the University Amateur Radio Club. “We’ve had students involved since the 1970s, and right now we’ve got a solid dozen regularly participating,” he explains. The club engages in supporting events such as marathons, bike races, international contests, and park activations.
Moreover, his office houses a display of QSL contact cards from around the world, including England, Panama, Belgium, Sweden, and Slovenia. He has even designed his own card featuring his two cats, Pixel and Sprite.
Beddingfield also maintains a strong connection to familial traditions through gardening and food preservation. “I started working in the garden as free labor for my grandparents,” he says. Today, he grows and preserves fruits and vegetables through canning and freezing.
Beddingfield works in one of the coolest spaces on campus, as he has decorated his office to reflect his personality and hobbies. The space features Doctor Who, Star Trek, and Peanuts memorabilia, as well as postcards, a collection of rubber ducks acquired from a movie theater claw machine, and an inflatable moose head.
“If I am going to spend that many hours a week in one spot, I’m going to be comfortable. Make it fun,” he explained.
Through his technical skillset, institutional knowledge, and diverse interests, Beddingfield has established an influential career of contribution and curiosity. His work serves to support crucial systems throughout the university, and his presence contributes to the OIT community on both a technical and personal level.