If you’ve been at William & Mary for any length of time, you probably have a story about Jeff Jolly, senior engineer and project manager in the information technology department. With his trusty tool bag riding shotgun in his golf cart, Jolly has been the go-to (actually, the “I’ll come to you”) guy for technology issues on campus for 24 years.
Now there is official recognition of his contribution: Jolly is this year’s winner of the Charles and Virginia Duke Award, given to an employee for exemplary individual accomplishment in service to William & Mary.
“I know everybody probably says this, but I just show up here and do my job,” said Jolly, who called W&M Police Chief Don Butler to jokingly ask for a security detail once he receives the award at a reception on April 29. “I explained that, at that point, I will be royalty. Obviously, I will need police protection.”
The larger-than-life personality doesn’t get in the way of Jolly doing his actual job, which is to plan and execute network hardware upgrades, ensuring connectivity for the whole campus. But if anyone in IT can qualify as a celebrity, it’s Jolly, principally because of the way he rolls.
“A rite of passage for any new IT hire is ‘The Jeff Jolly Experience,’ which involves a campus tour in Jeff’s golf cart,” said his boss, Norman Elton, director of infrastructure. “He revels in showing off lesser-known highlights such as the pool in the basement of Blow Hall or the inner workings of Kaplan Arena.” He offers rides to students on crutches or those overwhelmed with large care packages from home. “Families and grandparents may recall looking lost until the friendly fellow on the golf cart stops to offer assistance.”
Jolly admits his favorite time of year is fall move-in. Rather than wait for calls in his office, he patrols first-year residence halls, loudly declaring, “I’m from IT, and I’m here to help!”
“Students occasionally have technology questions,” Elton said. “But, more often, Jeff finds himself assembling bunk beds, locating the laundry room or explaining meal plans. He instantly creates a sense of belonging among students just arriving on campus.”
Elton says Jolly’s jovial persona is a plus, but it’s his dedication, work ethic and quick wit that make him such a tremendous asset. He is at work by 6 a.m. to resolve issues that have arisen overnight and attend to planned maintenance before other employees arrive. All kidding aside, colleagues say the thing about Jolly is he knows his stuff.
Mike Caboy, director of the McCormack Nagelsen Tennis Center, called Jolly in a panic during a holiday week a few years ago.
“The university was closed, but we were open for members. When I got in, we had no internet connection at all, zero, and our entire (reservation and payment) system here is cloud-based,” he remembered. “So I called Jeff and apologized for interrupting his vacation. He said, ‘Give me five minutes.’ I still don’t know how he did it, but two minutes later, we were up. He had fixed it from home.”
In recent years, Jolly has stepped into new roles in IT, leading the university’s technology
initiatives in major construction projects and as steward of the underground cable infrastructure. He closely collaborates with Facilities Management, the Office of the University Architect and numerous construction contractors and program managers. Among his many priorities, Jolly is a regular visitor to construction projects.
“His eagle eye can spot problems before they arise, saving the university money and frustration,” Elton said.
First bestowed in 1997, the Duke Award was endowed by Charles Bryan Duke and Ann Evans Duke ’‘57 in memory of Charles Joseph Duke ’23 and Virginia Welton Duke for their years of “distinguished and loving service” to William & Mary.
It is presented annually to employees who have followed the Dukes’ tradition of exceptional service. The recipient is selected by a committee appointed by the university president. Only non-instructional employees are eligible. The winner receives a cash award and has their name inscribed on a plaque displayed in the Sadler Center. They are also recognized during the university’s Commencement ceremony.
Butler says it’s fitting that Jolly’s name will be preserved on campus since he intends to retire next year after he turns 65. But Butler will miss at least part of their frequent interactions.
“He always makes it a point to say hello whenever I see him,” Butler said. “Typically, he’s in his golf cart, and he veers towards me, exits it well before it stops and extends his hand for a handshake with a friendly smile. This is usually the point where I remind him that I work closely with the risk manager and how badly I wish he would let someone else drive the cart.”
Susan Corbett, Communications Specialist